Home improvement projects can be financed in different ways. The best options depend on if you want to refinance or use your savings. Q: I have about $30,000 in savings and want to finish my basement. Would it be best to use the cash I have in savings to pay for it or should I [...]
Making home improvements can lower your capital gains tax, but that may change in 2013. Q: In 1975, my parents built a four bedroom house on Cape Cod and they put my name on the deed with theirs. My parents died quite some time ago, so I have had the house since then. For most [...]
Using a home equity loan to remodel can be a good decision, especially if you might need cash for future living expenses. Q: I have bought and sold many homes in the past. I made money on all but the last one, on which I lost money big time. I recently bought a little house [...]
When hiring a home improvement contractor, don't forget about the permits and inspections that are required by your city. Q: I read your article on how to hire a contractor and thought it was very good, but two items that were not brought up were permits and inspections. Often, the homeowner doesn't factor in the [...]
If your house is damaged by a fire, the first step is to talk with your insurance company about what will be covered under the policy. Q: I recently inherited my sister’s home that was badly damaged by fire and smoke. I do not want to keep the house. What is the best way for [...]
As fall ushers out summer, this month marks a good time to prepare your home for the chilly air, falling leaves and impending winter months. Summer is too much fun to do home maintenance, and winter’s ice and snow bring too much hassle, but I don’t mind working inside or outside during fall’s crisp days [...]
The kitchen is often the heart of any home, and most homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve the look and functionality of that space. But a full-blown kitchen remodel can be lengthy, disruptive, and expensive. The average kitchen remodel costs $26,000, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. While nice kitchens tend to [...]
Greening your home is no new trend, but what’s in—and what can help you with saving money—is always changing in the real estate market. From major installations like solar panels to smaller projects like adding spray foam insulation, green home improvements can save you money and make you feel healthier and happier about your carbon [...]
Recently, I saw my friend’s bills for installing solar power systems into her home. It cost her about $20,000. Wow! That’s a big chunk of change. I had to wonder if this was really a cost-effective solution. First of all, her cost was reduced by tax credits from both the IRS and the state of [...]
DIY at the Dinner Table: Saving Money with a Veggie and Herb Garden It only takes a quick walk through your grocery store’s produce section to see why so many families (and even many schools) are growing their own veggies and herbs: $3 for a small head of lettuce, $2 for a handful of parsley, [...]
