Adding a Fireplace to an Existing Home

November 12th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

With costs ranging up to $30,000 for a traditional brick hearth and mantel, adding a fireplace can be a considerable investment. If you’re wondering if you’ll get a return on that investment, the answer is: maybe. Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on Adding a Fireplace to an Existing Home

Tax Credits for Storm Windows and Storm Doors

August 16th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

Update: Thanks to a vigilant reader, we were alerted to a change in the federal tax credit eligibility of storm windows and doors. Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on Tax Credits for Storm Windows and Storm Doors

Inspecting Your Roof to Get Ahead of Problems

June 18th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

A roof inspection is one of those preventative maintenance jobs that’s easy to overlook. Don’t. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and fix any problems you find.

If you’re squeamish about heights, don’t worry. You can do a thorough inspection from the ground using a pair of binoculars.

Or, you can get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. However, there’s no need to get up on your roof just yet. The less you walk around up there, the better for your roofing — and the safer for you. Work your way around your house, noting any potential problems. Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on Inspecting Your Roof to Get Ahead of Problems

Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

June 2nd, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

If you added a heat-efficient metal or asphalt roof to your house last year, you may be able to claim a $500 energy tax credit by filing IRS Form 5695 with your return. Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

7 Hot Home Improvement Trends that Make Your Home Work for You

May 14th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

Today’s home improvement trends show that we like our houses to work harder and smarter for the money we spend maintaining and improving their value. Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on 7 Hot Home Improvement Trends that Make Your Home Work for You

7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

May 11th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. And with good reason: Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 68% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from “Remodeling” magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report.” Read the rest of this entry »

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: Comments Off on 7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

« Previous Entries