My Home Depot

Home Improvements? I want to replace the existing windows in my home with the energy saving windows that are always advertised. My question is: has anyone replaced theirs recently-if so, did you choose the double pane or the triple pane windows. The triple cost about $15,000 to replace the ones in the upstairs of my house, and the double might only be around $6,000. However, if the energy savings is vastly different, then it would be worthwhile to pay more for the better "quality." I am also thinking in terms of resale value-which would net more, the double, triple or does it matter? Thanks for your help! The winters are pretty chilly, sometimes in low negative digits, and the summers get up too the 110's +-I live in the Midwest. Does anyone remember how much they paid?

home improvements? my husband and i bought our first house in december of '06. we just now got a little money to start doing a few home improvements and we thought about starting out with the cheap stuff in the living room, kitchen and bathroom. the plan is to paint, put in new light and faucet fixtures, pull up the carpet in the living room and hallway. if we have a little extra money we may replace the counter tops in the kitchen. i had also thought possibly buying sofa and recliner chair covers since we don't have the money to go out and buy all new furniture right now. the colors i was thinking was a lighter medium color green in the kitchen, medium yellow in the living room and a very very light blue almost white with a blue tint in the bathroom. we want to open up the house and make it appear to be bigger does anyone have any suggestions on websites or stores that have reasonably priced stuff for us to check out? thanks so much! sincerely youngmom04

Home improvements...? My husband and I just bought a forclosure townhome. We have figured out it was a rental before us. The lady that rented it before us used a lot of oils and hair gels in her hair. There is kind of a nasty film over the whole bathroom. We have finally gotten that all cleaned up. But now under the sink the "wood" shelve is peeling and bubbling from all the hair products. Anyone have any ideas to make it better looking and cleaner so we can put our stuff down there. I don't think contact paper will stick under there.

How can appraiser find out about home improvements? I made some home improvements inside the house without a permit. For example: added couple of internal walls, drywalled a room, added couple electric circuits, added a bathroom. How would appraiser know about new electric circuit and other improvements? Appraiser can count total number of bathrooms, but what if I remove toilet in the new bathroom, so the new bathroom becomes a storage room?

Can I deduct home improvements on my house I am renting a room out with on my taxes? I just bought a house last year and am renting out a room. Can I deduct home improvements like garage repairs/improvements, etc?

What is the best way for me to pay for home improvements? I just purchased a home that needs lots of work for $75K, I was planning on getting a home equity loan to pay for the improvements, but it appraised for $79k. My understanding is that now I would only qualify for a $4K equity loan. What are my other options for securing a loan to pay for the needed home improvements. Details please.

What home improvements produce the highest ROI? A repossessed home is selling for 50k under the market value for the neighborhood it resides in. I would like to renovate the house as it is dated. What improvements would produce the highest ROI?

Is it worth making any home improvements before purchasing a council property? As present, i am living in a council house, and want to make some home improvements i.e. kitchen/bathroom. However, when they value the house at a later date, do they definitely take into consideration that we have spent money on it, and take this amount off the value - as I wouldn;t want to pay twice for this.

Is square footage of a home or major home improvements recorded at the county level? I am looking at buying a house up in Pennsylvania but the seller inherited it from a relative and knows little about it. Where would I be able to find info about the square footage and major home improvements (mainly the last roof replacement)? Is it recorded at the county level? Both the seller and I do not live in the town where the house is located and it will be a month or more before we can get up there but I want to do some research ahead of time. Thanks.

What are the usual fees charged for in these home improvements? The home improvements would include, laying carpet (sq ft charge?), laying tile (peel and stick) (charge by sq ft.?), hanging 2 outside doors and 1 inside door. There is 5 doors that need hardware added (locks,peepholes,etc.),installing 2 pedistal labs, 2 water closets, and caulking windows and painting trim. All materials are provided for the job, the labor is the only thing that will be charged.

Tips for home improvements that will result in a profit.? I have recently purchased a very small home...as a single mom it was the best I could do. However, lately, a lot of my family and friends (the same ones that told me it was smart to buy this house) have said that I will have a hard time making a profit on the home when I resale. I have no plans to resale until at least 5 years...but what are some inexpensive and possible do it yourself improvements I could make that would result in increasing the value of the home. Thank you!

how do I find a reliable, low budge way to do home improvements? looking for many improvements to be completed this summer on a recently purchased historic home. Small budget, looking for deals or service or goods bartering in exchange for home repairs. Please be reliable, insured and have references.

How do I get a loan to do home improvements? I paid off my house last year, right after doing so I was laid off and my credit is now in poor standing. I need a loan to consolidate bills and do home improvements so I may sell my home. What can I do to get this all done. Someone please help me!

What can I write off from my home improvements this year? My wife and I just bought a home less than a year ago and we added a couple of major appliances to the kitchen as well as re-painted the entire interior portion of the house. Do we get to write both of these improvements off?

Is this a good time to make home improvements, or should we wait until the economy improves? We're debt free, but live on a fixed income. We have some home improvements we need to make but are hesitant to do so considering the economic crisis we're facing at this time in our country. Would it be better to wait until things have improved? Any thoughts on this or advice from people in similar situations?

can I write off cost of home improvements? My home needs a new roof and I was also thinking of upgrading both bathrooms in my house. I really dont want a loan so I am considering taking money from my 401k and I am aware of the tax implications. Does the IRS allow the cost of home improvements such as what I am looking to do to be written on on my tax return?

What are the LEAST expensive home improvements? If I were wanting to improve my home so that I have a better chance of selling it, what are the LEAST expensive types of improvements I can make? I know that there are things like painting that can be done. But if I wanted to go a little bit further, what else would you suggest for the lowest total cost?

Where do I go for Grant money for home improvements? My wife and I just bought a house. We want to do some improvements, some minor, some major. But we don't have a bunch of money to spend on the improvements. I know that you can get a grant from the government for almost anything, but I can't find the kind for me. I make decent money, but my wife does not work and we have two little girls, so money is always tight, but I am afraid that I alone might make too much money to qualify for anything. Does anyone know where to go to apply for home improvement grants?

Can you use the VA Loan for home improvements? My wife and I are planning on buying a home for $60,000 with the VA Loan but were wondering if we could get a $70,000 VA Loan and use the remainder for home improvements for it or are you just able to get the loan for the purchase of the house?

How am I able to deduct from my tax return, any home improvements made on my home? My wife & I have made a number of improvements to our home in 2006. New roof, new deck, new windows & doors. Are we able to deduct the costs from our 2006 tax return?

is there really a no interest government loan for home improvements? i heard there is a no interest government loan for home improvements and you dont have to pay it off until you sell your house. is this true? if so, how do i apply for the loan?

Can we deduct expenses for home improvements? This tax season, we'd hoped to deduct expenses for home improvements. But our dishonest contractor took us for a ride last year and we couldnt get our receipts from him.We do have our copies of the cashiers receipts for the amount.. Can we deduct for the money paid out, but the job wasn't finished?

Why would a variable loan be the best product for the consumer that would like to do home improvements? If a consumer was thinking about doing some home improvements but did not have an exact amount for the cost, a variable rate loan might be best suited. Why would a variable loan be the best product for the consumer that would like to do home improvements?

Are home improvements a tax deduction in Illinois? My wife and I just remodeled a bathroom and one of our friends told us that home improvements can be a tax deduction. Is this true?

how should i prioritize the following home improvements? fireplace, new kitchen, bathroom in basement? i eventually want to do all three of these things. in what order should i do them in order to maximize my return on investment in the event i had to move and sell before i completed all three things? there is currently a fireplace now but it is ugly painted white brick and want to replace it with a floor to 5 foot high mantle with granite worked in and a gas fireplace log set. the whole cost of that job would be 5k. i have read that fireplaces add more value as far as home improvements go than any other improvement. the current kitchen was from the 1960s and redoing that with granite countertops and new cabinets and tile and a new fridge and oven would probably be 10k-15k for the quality we wanted. adding a bathroom to the basement would change the house from 1 to 2 baths and would probably cost about 5k for the level of quality we wanted. how should i order these projects?

UK QUESTION - Can I get grants for home improvements and repairs? Me and husband are homeowners and barring borrowing money we are unable to finance minor repairs and home improvements. We both work full time. Its very frustrating as our house looks like what used to be a "council house" inside and out and the local council houses (as the improvements and repairs cost the tenants little or nothing) look like the residents own them.

can you deduct home improvements from your taxes? what form do you use with 1040? We built a home in 06 and did some home improvements after we moved in. I wonder if we can also deduct some of the fees like construction fees, origination fees, appraisal.. etc.We may just have to ask a prof to do our taxes. I did our 1040 with no problems(have not filed it yet) but I didn't see any part there where I can deduct home improvements like I heard some people say. We live in OH if it's of any significance to those who have an answer. Thanks.

Are there any government programs that help home owners with home improvements? I live in Clarksdale, MS and would like to find out if there are programs that help home owners with home improvements. I would like to have a heat and air condition system installed in my home but don't have enough money to do so. So if anyone know of any programs in this area that help with that kind of home improvement i would appreciate it if you let me know.

Should we wipe out savings or go with home equity line of credit to finance home improvements? My husband and I are debating how to finance some home improvement projects. He says use savings, I say use a line of credit(repay within two years hopefully) I am afraid if we use savings we will never replace it. He doesn't want debt. Any opinions?

Which website can direct me to Breeze Home Improvements? Where can I find the website for Breeze Home Improvements, a quality home improvements company in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester?

Can home improvements be written off as tax deductions? If so, what is the minimum? We have made approximately $6500.00 in home improvement since January 2007.

what is the best way to finance home improvements? I'm just wondering if we should do a home improvement loan, refinance our mortgage, do a home equity loan, etc. We are looking at doing siding, some windows, soffits and fascia, etc.

Do home improvements really add value? You see it on HGTV and elswhere on TV. "Upgrade your kitchen and recoup 98% of the investment!" "Repaint the exterior and recoup 120% of the investment!" The list goes on. Has anyone actually checked to see if you really do recoup home improvement investment in the form of higher resale value? How can you really be sure, because it's not like you actually get two appraisals from an appraiser, one for before improvement and the other for after improvement. Or is this a conspiracy by home centers? I understand what all of you are saying, and I have heard it before. But where's the proof? Does anyone know how such data were actually obtained?

Are Anglican Home Improvements ok employers, do they pay unlike some double glazing companies? I was thinking of getting a job with Anglican Home Improvements as a appointment maker and door canvesser but am unsure whether they'll pay me etc. I wanted to hear from anyone who has had experience with them

A Question Regarding Tax Breaks for Home Improvements? Someone I know has purchased some property and is in the process of building improvements and getting them ready to rent out. Are there any tax credits/breaks/cuts for people who install energy efficient improvements? I've done a little bit of research on their behalf but I think the only thing I've found is cuts for people's primary home not other properties. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Helping a friend with home Improvements? A good friend just brought a small racnher and doesn't want to do home improvements for himself. He wants to pay me to do several projects including: painting the tile in a small bathroom, painting an average-sized bedroom, and painting the cabinets in a small galley-style kitchen. I suggested that he pay me $50.00 per project. The house cost around $80,000. My friend has around $7,000 for home repairs, and his hourly income is around $13.00. (He isn't a rich man.) Is $50.00 a reasonable price for labor considering my friend buys the nessecary supplies? If not, what price per project should I request of my friend? I am a college student, and this money would be very helpful to me because I could do the work on the weekend in addition to my parttime job.

Have u heard of Stephan Cantos of Dewitt Const. sell a Michigan Energy Loan program for home improvements? Stephan Cantos, salesman represents Dewitt Construction Sells home improvements using Michigan Home Energy Loan program that was created by Gov. Blanchard's administration. He gets permission to run a credit check, driver's license, but doesn't disclose the rate of the loan.

Are home improvements taxable in Hillsborough County FL? I am adding an attached screen room. The contractor provided me with an estimate and then a second estimate that was higher. His explanation was that the first estimate did not include sales tax. (his increase is the appropriate percentage for sales tax) I thought home improvements considered permanent were not subject to sales tax. I also thought that labor was not taxable and that the estimate was required to break out labor/material and only tax material. I cannot find this stated clearly anywhere on the FDOR website. Can anyone provide any assistance in finding a clear written answer?

What IRS pub covers home improvements? Have searched all over IRS.gov and can't seem to find what I am looking for. Just looking for which home improvements, if any, we can deduct from our taxes. I found a pub (Pub # 523) that covers these items in brief when selling your home, but we are not selling. Any ideas?

New homeowners need personal loan for debt consolidation and home improvements.? My husband and I closed on our first home on 8/31. Our loan was financed 100%. We are now looking to consolidate our credit and auto debt into one along with major home improvements that need to be done. . They total $35k. Where is the best place to go to apply for a personal loan or line of credit for at least $60, 000. Thank you for any insight!

I'm buying a home, want to do home improvements right away. At what point can I refinance my home? I'm buying a home and want to do home improvements right away. The house is worth approxiamtely $140,000 as is. Mortgage amount $111,000. I'm pre-qualified for $128,000. If I put $10,000 into the home, paying for that via credit card etc. when can I pay off that card and wrap the payment into the mortgage?

What home improvements can be taken off as deductables on 2007 taxes? I had some home remodling done and on tv on home repairs show it told that a lot of that is tax deductable. I haven't been able to find anything on the web on it. I kewpt all of my recepts for last year on all of the repairs or improvemts on my home.

Easy home improvements to speed up the sale of my home? I am planning on listing my home later this month, are there any tips to make my home seem more appealing? I was thinking about getting some flower baskets by the front door.

Can home improvements be written off if done to create an office to work from home? Our basement is unfinished. I have been offered a job that allows me to work from home. If I finish a portion of the basement to build an office can this be a tax write off? The room will be exclusively used for work.

How do I find free home improvements grants? I just bought an older home and need to upgrade it, to make it safer for my children.

What episode of home improvements was on nick at night tonight? Im searching for a song that was played at the end of the home improvment episode tonight on nick at nite at 8 central time . If someone could tell me the name of the episode or maybe the song they were dancing at the end of the episode that would be great!!!!

Bank told me my credit was great and I'll get to finish home improvements.? After refinancing I'll have enough to finish my older home (new roof, bathroom, driveway) but my loan will be just under what the house is worth now before improvements. I hate to remove that equity but if I stay here 3 more years will it be worth it?

If I rent out my home can I deduct the home improvements ,and what is deductible? I own a home and rent it out to a "section 8" family. In order to rent it out I needed to make several thousands worth of repairs to bring it up to social services codes. It is my only property. and I do make money on it.

Can I ask for money back for home improvements in my offer? I want to put an offer down on a property, but it needs about $20,000 worth of work. Can I request in the offer to get money back at the close of escrow to make these improvements? If not, what are my options? I live in Southern California if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Is it wise to get major home improvements (vinyl siding and doors) done by taking a lien out on my house? I am considering doing a much needed repair on my home. It costs 23,000. The company will finance us using affordable monthly payments. What is the danger in this. Will vinyl siding boost my property value. I have the original aluminum siding on my house now and it looks horrible.

If I work from home and meet with clients, can I write off bathroom home improvements? I work from home with a consulting business, and we are redoing our one and only bathroom in the home. As my clients use this bathroom while they are meeting with me, can I write the expense of redoing the bathroom off on my taxes as a business expense?

Where can I find information about federal or state grants for home improvements? On the radio this morning, in St. Louis, I heard that you can get federal or state grants (NOT a loan - they clarified) for home repairs by looking at economic grants. The woman said that the government has these grants because they provide work to people and improve communities. She said you don't have to have a low-income and that the only requirement is that you live in the house for at least two years (or move out within two years, something like that). I cannot find this information anywhere. Can anyone help direct me to the right website?

Is there a tax benefit to home improvements? I have been spending a fortune on improvements to the house such as remodeling bathrooms, bedrooms, office, updating light fixtures, new hardware, etc. Or is tax benefit only on energy items such as new energy efficient appliances, doors, windows, and insulation. I have been keeping all reciepts just in case. Thanks!

anyone know where i can get free catalogs for home improvements? im looking for home decor and improvement catalogs sent to me in the mail so i can get ideas on decorating.. does anyone know where online i can go to get free catalogs mailed to my home.. thank you

Do curtains fall under "home improvements" when I'm doing taxes? I have spent approximately a thousand dollars getting nice curtains for my new home. Can I count that under home improvements when I do taxes?

Can I cancel PMI if I've done home improvements? If I had a 100% loan for $100,000 and made $20,000 worth of home improvements within the first year, can I get my lender to cancel PMI?

do i owe my ex money for home improvements he made to the house while we were dating? me and me ex were engaged then i said i couldnt marry him but we still lived together thinking maybe someday we would marry. he made some home improvements to the house knowing i didnt have the money and they were his ideas. now we are broke up and he wants paid back for everything. do i owe him? i own the house there was never any words or agreement made to pay back

is it smart to refinance a home to pay off credit card debt,and do some home improvements? and how hard is it to get your home refinanced with one spouse that has been self employed for under a year?

How do we deduct Home Improvements on Form 1040? I was told that Home Improvements are tax deductible but I dont know where to put that on my Form 1040. Please help me. Thanks!

Selling green home improvements a good job? Would selling solar panels and the like to home owners (by appointment) be a good job? Or is this a nearly impossible sale considering the high cost and the state of the economy? I am good in sales but am wondering if I would be wasting my time on this or not?

I have a reverse mortgage and was wondering if I can use home improvements on my 2007 income taxes.? If I can deduct my improvements, what deductions can I use?

What happens if you do home improvements as a business and are not licensed? I need a list of potiental issues, fees, etc. I'm asking this because I know someone who is wanting to do "inhome repairs", but does not seem interested in the legalities of such a business. Basically, I need to bring him back to reality. Thanks in advance.

Could you tell me of a business that does home improvements on mobile homes? Like new cabinets or add ons like a bar/counter in the kitchen. I know that Sears And Home Depot do advise on houses, but moblies are different.

Best way to finance home improvements? Bought my house about 7 months ago on a 100% financed mortgage with an unbelievably low interest rate, so I want to avoid refinancing. I don't think i can do a home equity loan because I have little to no equity since i did the 100% finance. Any ideas? I need about 10000 - 15000 for new siding work.

Should I make home improvements on my town home? I have a town house in southern California. It is 1650 square feet, 3bd/2.5 ba, has a yard and 2 car garage. I want to do some light remodeling: new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, update bathroom tubs, and other things. My whole project will cost about $27,000 for materials. No labor costs. My wife and I plan to remain living in the town home for at least another 5 years because starting a family. We will have our place paid off (& will be debt free) in a few months and may possibly sell it one day if our neighborhood gets bad. But we may never move because real estate is SUPER expensive near the beach where we live. Is $27,000 too much to invest in my town house? My reason for the updates is not for resell but to make our home more custom. I want us to be happy with what we have so we don’t go house poor buying a fancier house. Also, should we save our money for 18 months to pay for the project in full, or should we get a loan?

what city organizations help with home improvements? I have some leaks that need to be addressed and am on a limited income. I know there are organizations out there, just don't know where to look for them. any help would be appreciated. have been to the mass.gov link. no help. thank you

Is there free grant money for home improvements? My house is falling to pieces, but Im having trouble with finances. Are there legitamate grants for this purpose?

What does dave ramsey say about home improvements? I want to do so many things... new driveway (concrete instead of gravel), update kitchen, buy living room furniture, update bathrooms, add another bedroom, full privacy fence, etc. What would Dave Ramsey say? I have no debt except the house, and 6 months emergency funds, and a small 401k, no IRAs. 39 years old. SmartA, can you tell me if that is 15% of gross or net?

Tax question...can I write off cost of home improvements? I purchased a home and rehabbed it. I have several thousands of dollars in receipts from those improvements. Can this be written off on my taxes? The property was not my primary residence. I realize I will need a professional to do my taxes, but was hoping for some answers prior to that. Thanks!

What rights do i have as a tenant, when council do home improvements? They are rewiring my house up to standard. They told me i need to move furnature out of way and they will remove any laminate or carpet for easy access. However, i have only finished decorating. They tell me that they will not replace any damaged deco or furnature. Theres a part of my living room where the laminate flooring goes around some plastic trunking. They will be removing the trunking, as its no longer needed. So what will they do about the gap left in my laminate? most laminate is professionally fitted, so its stuck down with wood glue, which means i will get my laminate floor damaged.

Do ever finish with home improvements? I find that we are always doing something. Painting, carpet, floor, curtains, yard work, etc. It is never ending. We have been in our house for about 16 years and everything always seems to need some improving. Am I the only one?

What home improvements can a person make to increase the value of the house ?

What is the best site for home renovators, home renovation and home improvements? I am trying to find the best quality accessories, products and suppliers for the some renovation I am doing in Sydney Australia

can you cash out a 401k for home improvements? We need to build a new deck. We do not want to get a second mortgage. The 401k has about 6000.00 in it. Its from a job my husband left 6 years ago. It is also losing about 60.00 a month the last few months. I know you have to pay a 10% penalty and taxes on the money. But to cash it out do you have to tell them what you are going to use the money for?

I am doing some home improvements, do you recommend painting over old paneling? The paneling is at least 47 yrs old and is very dry, and scratchy?

How do we keep people from discussing home improvements (BORING!)? Some of my guests are losing patience with a few couples that we have over for cocktails on the weekends. The problem is they go on forever in the most inane detail about home improvements. This is the new age version of someone carrying a flip wallet full of family pictures and holding you up for what seems an eternity If we need anything done on our home we have a professional contractor do it. However we don't subject our freinds to endless discussions of tedium about our home. Do you know any home improvement geeks? Is there a polite way to tell them that there renovations are BORING! Anybody else feel this way? @chocolate lover: Just ask them to give you money or cut a check that should shut them up @kiwi: I'm proud of you, however don't you think that the money would be better spent on something like.... I dont know maybe...........the needy or hungry? You'd feel great and the feeling would last longer than the thrill of new cupboards.

Does Home Improvements Increase the value of a house considerably? I would like to add a metal fence to the front of my house plus make the front yard and the sides of the house on stamped concrete and change the windows to french style windows and paint it. If in the future i want to sell the house...will all these changes increase the value of the house or the price will always be the same no matter what I add to the house?

Can you use the cost of home improvements as a tax deductions? For example, new wood flooring, new tile, new kitchen counter tops, etc...?

Tax question? Can I deduct home improvements and special tutoring for my child & what forms do I need? Using turbotax, but can't find out this info. Please help.

I need a good site for no or low cost home improvements.? any sites will be checked out!! thx

After paying off house...30,000 loan home improvements....good idea? My house will be paid off in July. We will finally be out from under a monthly house payment before the age of 42. I am seriously thinking of getting a 30,000 dollar loan for major home improvements that need to be done. Would it be wise to take on a new payment right after getting out from under one?

Are there any good websites for free government grants for home improvements? Or State grants for this? I'm in Florida.

Should Americans be granted dollar for dollar tax credit for energy conserving home improvements? Solar hot waters, triple pane windows and insulation are definitely a step in the right direction [I'm not anti-conservation just anti-hysterical] yet many poor and middle class homeowners simply cannot afford these "upgrades". Since it is in the nation's infrastructral best interest, shouldn't homeowner's get some relief?