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Claiming A Home Improvement Deduction

May 24th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Spring often encourages homeowners to start considering home improvements and repairs. However, before you get out the hammer and nails or hire a contractor consider if your home improvements may be eligible for a home improvement deduction.

The first thing the homeowner must understand is the difference between home improvements and a home repairs. Simply put, a home repair is classified as fixing a problem. For example, repairing a hole in the roof, fixing a leak or repainting a room would be considered repairs. On the other hand, adding a new room, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, building a swimming pool or constructing a garage would be classed as improvements. These improvements add to the living amenity of the home’s owners and usually increase the value to the home.

The IRS sets strict guidelines on how a homeowner can claim a home improvement deduction. It is strongly recommended that before you hire a contractor or start any remodeling works that you obtain advice from you tax consultant or from the local office of the IRS

Home improvement deductions can fall into several different categories. A medical condition that required providing disabled access to a home would normally be classed as a home improvement and could be a deduction.

Also, there is a special home improvement deduction for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Consult with the IRS regarding the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act as it increases the permitted qualifying home improvement loans.

If you are planning a home improvement to an area of your home that requires some repair you may be able to include the repair as an improvement. The Tax Act states that where a repair is carried out in the same area of the home that is being remodeled then the repair can be included as part of the improvement project. So, if you are planning on remodeling your kitchen don’t forget to take care of the leaking pipes at the same time and claim the entire project as a home improvement deduction.

Home Improvement - Flagstone Patio

March 26th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Build A Home Improvement Flagstone Patio To Beautify Your Home

Low interest rates provide abundant opportunities for homeowners to carry out additions or remodeling of their current home. There are many projects that can be carried out to improve the look or functionality of a house and garden. One idea that some homeowners might consider for an outdoor home improvement is a flagstone patio. Whether a is already exists and simply needs some improvement or updating or if the addition has to be built from scratch, adding flagstone onto the floor of the patio will make a huge difference to the appearance of the exterior of the house. Flagstone terracing can give a luxurious look to a house while providing a practical all-weather surface for entertaining. Many people enjoy adding architectural accents that enhance the look of the home and coordinate with its surroundings.

Doing home improvements like these can really spruce up your property, but they can also be costly depending on the level of change that you are choosing. Home improvement flagstone patio construction can be done in many different configurations, sizes and styles and the cost will differ accordingly. If cost is a major consideration then the flagstone can be used as a border only which will not cost as much. On the other hand, if the flagstone will be the primary material that is used the cost will much greater. The amount of flagstone will increase the price of the terrace or patio but by far the largest proportion of the cost will go towards the labor for the contractors. The layout and design of the patio can be time-consuming and often the stones will need to be cut which will further add to the cost. A great deal of time will need to be spent in the planning stage to ensure a final beautiful result.

Home Improvement Flagstone Patio Care

Once you have installed your new flagstone patio, and all of the work has been completed, it is important to care for the new area so that it will look good for as long as possible.

Sealing of outdoor flagstones is not usually recommended. Topical sealants applied to natural stone subjected to full weather conditions can actually increase the stone’s susceptibility to staining from organic matter.

Regular sweeping is recommended and if mildew or mold forms on the flagstone in damp areas a solution of mild detergent and water can be used to remove it. Thoroughly wet the flagstones with water before using a soft brush to scrub off the mold with the detergent mixture. For more stubborn stains a 50% mixture of bleach and water can be tried. Test this mixture on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the surface.

Grease stains will often require harsher chemicals and may require professional care.

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