Spending Your Tax Refund: 10 Home Improvements That Make Life Better
While you may not have the budget for a complete kitchen renovation, refinishing the cabinets — sanding and removing the stain and then repainting them — can provide a facelift for a dated kitchen.
BigStock Luxury Kitchen
Average cost: $3,086
If you live in a part of the country that frequently loses power due to storms (or you’re worried about the Zombie apocalypse), having a generator installed can give you peace of mind all year round.
Average cost: $2,822
If you’re still working on old Formica kitchen counters, upgrading to a new granite or quartz surface will make even a dated kitchen feel more modern. If you’ve got cash left over, installing a new tiled backsplash will complete the look.
Average cost; $1,298
If your closets are crammed and messy, a professional closet organization system may be the key to maximizing the space that you have. You can customize the system to meet your specific needs, from organizing your shoes to storing suits.
Average cost: $2,579
Whether you’re committing to a new color or putting a new coat on a peeling older layer, nothing quite brightens up a home’s curb appeal like a fresh coat of paint. Using a bold color on your front door and shutters can add visual pop.
Average cost: $1,291
The Internet of Things is here, and it’s about to make your life a lot easier. A home automation system give you control of everything in your home, from the temperature to the locks — all from your smartphone or tablet.
Average cost: $2,449
Imagine never having to go outside and lug a garden hose around your lawn again. The newest systems are controlled via Wi-Fi so that you don’t waste water with timers going off after it rains.
Average cost: $2,909
Space for outdoor entertaining is a trendy must in homes these days, and a patio is a much more economical option than a deck. Start planning your bar-b-cue menu now.
Average cost: $2,545
Bath liners are molded to fit directly over an existing bath or shower, creating a watertight seal and concealing any grimy grout or cracked tiles that can become an eyesore. The acrylic liners come in an array of colors and can include features like towel bars or shelves.
Average cost: $1,812 (for service once/month)
While not technically a home improvement, hiring a maid service can help improve your life within your home. Get back some of the hours that you’d spend cleaning and let a professional take a turn scrubbing the toilets once in a while.