Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Thinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the cost vs. value numbers, complied by Remodeling magazine, before you do. Read on to see the projects that gave the best and worst rate of return on investment Read in full.

If your home was destroyed by fire or vandalized by theft, could you recreate from memory a list of all your possessions including purchase date, cost, serial number and model number? A detailed list of damaged or destroyed possessions is required for all insurance claims. If you don’t have a home inventory, read on to find out how to prepare one. Read in full.

If you’re considering buying a home, now is the time! The $8,000 federal tax credit for new homebuyers—which was to expire November 30, 2009—has been extended through April 30, 2010. In addition, it’s been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who buy a home as well. Read in full.

Homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years, and meet certain other requirements, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a new home by April 30, 2010. Read on to find out how you can qualify. Read in full.

A home inventory is a comprehensive report which includes detailed descriptions and photos of the personal property in and around your home. While considered a key component in documenting insurance claims, a home inventory is also valuable for estate and financial planning. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

First-time homeowners, including anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home by April 30, 2010. Read on to find out how. Read in full.

The recession is over. I have decided that I’ve heard enough positive news about the stock market, housing starts, banks recovering, etc. that I’m convinced that we are on our way back from a tough period in America. Times like this make us appreciate what we have and where we live. I’m proud and ready for great times ahead . . . for everyone. Read in full.

Zeb asks, “Can you give me some advice on how to hire a decent handyman?”

Start by asking how many years they’ve been in business, how they price their work, and if they provide a free estimate. It’s also important to be sure they carry liability insurance in case they are injured on the job. Watch this video.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes federal tax credits that can save you $1,500 or more when you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. Here’s the bottom line on what’s covered, and how you can qualify. Read in full.