How To Claim A Home Improvement Tax Deduction

When spring arrives many homeowners think about making some repairs and improvements to their houses. Before you start hauling out the tools and buying supplies, you may want to find out if you’re eligible for a home improvement tax deduction. If you have no idea what that is, there are guidelines to use.


The first thing you need to know is the difference between a home repair and a home improvement. An easy way to understand it is that a home repair falls in the category of problem resolution. Fixing a hole in your roof, repairing a leak or painting a room are repairs. However, redoing your kitchen, adding a room or building a garage, or putting in a swimming pool, falls into the category of home improvements, which add value to the home.

Strict guidelines set forth by the Internal Revenue Service will explain how to claim a home improvement tax deduction. Before you start any home improvement project, you are strongly advised to read these guidelines, and get some guidance from the local IRS or a tax consultant. There are several different groups that tax deductions can belong. Even a medical condition can be the cause of a home improvement tax deduction if things need to be permanently changed in the home to accommodate this condition.

Following Hurricane Katrina, a special tax deduction was implemented for the victims of that storm. Talk with the IRS to find out more about the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act. It adds to the allowed qualifying home improvement loans.

If there are areas of your home that need repairs but you’re planning improvements there as well, you may be able to claim the repair as an improvement. According to the Tax Act, a repair that occurs in the same part of the house being remodeled can be included as part of the home improvement project.

Homeowners can also take advantage of tax credits to save money. Where a tax deduction for improvements can decrease the income that the tax is payable, a tax credit decreases the tax itself. Tax credits can be had for various home improvements. You can find out more about these ways to save money through the numerous IRS publications available for your use.

Preparing soil for your kitchen garden

One of the first and most important things we need to do when planning, and planting a kitchen garden, is to ensure we have the right quality of garden soil.

In a perfect world, we would step outside, and dig up section of our yard, and discover perfect garden soil. Sadly this isn't the case for most of us. So we need to help mother nature out a bit. The best type of soil was can hope for is roughly a 50/50 mix of solids (inorganic material) and more porous material. (organic)

Inorganic materials

The inorganic material is usually comprised of clay, sand or silt. If you are really lucky, the will all exist in correct quantities, of 20% clay, 40% each of silt and sand - which gives us loam. I find in the region where I live, we have a ton of clay, so I normally have to add some inorganic material to lessen the high percentage of clay in my kitchen garden.

Organic materials

Organic materials cna be anything that was once living. Grass clippings, compost from your compost maker, leaves from your fall raking. In a pinch, I've used peat moss when starting up a new garden when I don't have any compost handy. Since I also have horses, I have a ready supply of horse manure. However unless it's really old manure, I don't care to use it, since horse manure results in a lot more weeds then steer manure for example.

When to add material to your kitchen garden soil.

The optimum time to add new materials to garden soil is in the spring, when cleaning up debris, and preparing beds for planting. I have been known myself to also do this in the fall. I haven't decided which is really better. I think it mostly depends on which time of year is more convenient for you to do so. It's just important to be in the habit of doing it every year, since organic materials will continue to breakdown over time.

Home Job Group Review - Work From Home

How many times have you wished that you did not have to travel in rush hour traffic just to get to a job that you cannot stand? Or maybe you are currently trying to find a job and there just doesn't seem to be anything out there for you in what you are looking for. This is when you need to turn to the Home Job Group to aid you in finding that perfect job to work from home. What more could you ask for than being able to do what you love to do, being able to do it from home and creating a great income at the same time.

1. Safety And Security.

The Home Job Group will be there for you to help you find just what you are looking for. There are many companies that advertise for you to work from home but in order to get started you need to pay them a fee. You should not have to pay a company to work for them they should be paying you. All of the companies that are listed here with the Home Job Group are not going to ask you for one penny. They also have help if you need it to help you with finding a job that is just right for you.

2. What Will You Find Inside Home Job Group?

Memberships to the Home Job Group go quickly so if you do not get accepted right away do not worry. You will find that your acceptance is only a short time away and you will be able to start applying for jobs as soon as you get access to the members area. You will be given the opportunity to chose from three different plans when you are signing up with the group.

3. 100% Risk-Free Money-Back Guarantee.

There is also a money back guarantee when you sign up as well. You will be given the chance to try out the program for eight weeks and if you do not find the job that you are looking for than you can ask for your money back with no questions asked. There are not many companies that are willing to put their name on the line.

About the Author

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Cleaning and Repairing Your Chimney Properly

Homeowners that have a fireplace should make chimney cleaning and repair a priority. Chimneys accumulate a significant amount of dust, debris and particles. These substances can build up over time making it very difficult for smoke and soot to escape as it is suppose to. In some cases, a vent can become clogged or blocked resulting in a fire. To prevent this from happening, individuals should take the time to ensure that their chimneys are well maintained. There are a number of methods that can be followed to promote the proper functioning of a chimney.

In general, chimney cleaning and repair should be performed at least once a year. This is best done well in advance of the vent being used. Once homeowners do begin using it they should have it cleaned periodically to avoid build up of materials that could cause a fire. The inspection of a flue should be completed prior to use. Obtaining inspection services from a company that is licensed and qualified in accessing the structure of the vent is necessary.

A thorough inspection will allow the homeowner to know if there are any structural issues that need to be repaired prior to using the chimney. An annual inspection is also very important as it helps to maintain the flue and prevent erosion that can affect future functioning. Taking the time to have a vent cleaned and inspected is worthwhile.

While the inspection of a chimney is an activity that should be performed by licensed professionals, many people choose to clean their own chimneys. By using certain pieces of equipment, many homeowners are able to keep their chimneys free of debris and soot. Those interested in cleaning their chimneys on their own will need to invest in a brush that fits their vent, a flashlight, a cover for the fireplace, a shovel and a broom, a bucket to contain the ashes and protective eyewear.

There are a number of different ways in which individuals can effectively clean their chimneys. The preferred method is cleaning the chimney from the outside by inserting the brush at the top and continually cleaning the flue as the brush is lowered. Many people use rods that are attached to the flue brush in order to have more control and flexibility when cleaning hard to reach places.

For those individuals that are not very skilled at the chimney cleaning and repair process, there is the option of hiring a company that specializes in flue maintenance. This can be the same company that will perform the periodic vent inspection. Individuals seeking the assistance of such a company should check with both the local Better Business Bureau and the state licensing boards to confirm the legitimacy and the reliability of the companies that will be used for chimney cleaning and maintenance.

Being Conscious & Active About Home Security Is A Great Feeling

As a new dad, I'm starting to see my house as this great big breach in security, complete with neon signs inviting every burglar in the tri-county area. Okay, my house isn't quite that pathetic, but because I have a new child at home, I see everything that a burglar could exploit to get into my house.

Of late I've made a conscious effort to be hyper-aware of my habits around the house, particularly as they directly relate to home security. I've discovered a thing or two and now I'm left to make sense of them. One of the things I do is check the door and window locks, particularly as I'm getting ready to call it a night.

I stopped and thought about that for a while and came to realize I hadn't been that bad in the past. I could recall that I generally had checked, at least, the door locks; the window locks too, but less frequently. It felt good to know that I'd always seemed to care about home security, but a casual approach would no longer be acceptable. I now make certain all the locks are locked, and just a week or so ago I added a deadbolt lock to an exterior door.

I also realized that I was taking care of some of the smaller, but important, home security tasks and treating them like they were just common sense. I made sure all the outdoor lights on my house and property were functioning. I've made plans to plant rosebushes in front of a basement window. I create the appearance that someone is home at all times, which deters burglars. I recently gave a set of house keys to a neighbor I've known for a long time. I can't run the risk of being locked out, particularly with a newborn. If these sound like common sense, then that's the point. Doing something will always be better than doing nothing.

Now, I don't think one necessarily needs the epiphany of a new child to become quite conscious of the status of one's home security. Sometimes just knowing that a house with an ADT monitored home security burglar alarm system installed is 3-times less likely to be robbed than a house with no home security system installed can be enough. Or discovering that the average loss of property due to burglary is more than $2,000 on average.

Those are true statistics that I discovered by doing some research into home security safety tips and statistics, and that's a new thing I've discovered I'm doing. Becoming hyper-aware of security around my home has prompted me to read what I can on the topic. I've learned so many simple-but-important things that I can do around my house each day that will make my house a serious problem for a potential burglar.

I like that about me. I like that I'm aware of what I'm doing, and that I've been doing some of it for a long time. You can too. Once you start making a conscious effort to, say, make certain your doors and windows are locked before you call it a night, you'll find yourself wanting to do more. Run with that, and make your home as safe as you can for you, and your family, and any new additions that may come your way.

How Living Room can be renovated overnight

Are you one of those who are thinking of having brand new living room in their house? Well nowadays getting you living room renovated is really very simple. All you have to do is to add few things into it. While seeking for renovating your old decor, why not seek for the good fabrics which can really make your living room look good. There are number of creations of famous home decorators with the help of which you can transform your living room overnight and make them appear hot, elegant and sexy, accordingly to your taste and mood. So what are the things which primarily constitute in the makeover of your living room? Well for those who are going for the renovation for the very first time it's good to choose neutral or light colors for the wall and flooring, and then bring the blast of colors in wallpapers and number of other paintings. Try to avoid beige colors because they get dirty very easily and offer dull look. Similarly there are number of other things which can be used in order to boost up the shine of the living room. And those things are cushion covers, bright bed covers and sexy curtains. Romo Fabric which is a fabric company offering good fabric which can be used in making you living room quiet attractive. Also designs, texture and color fabric offered by the Zimmer Rohde is also really very good. And there is also one more and very good company which can offer you best designs fabric or fabrics which are best in every aspect is Colefax and Fowler. These companies have their website, where one can choose and order fabric of his or her own choice, and also they offer you ready made curtains all you have to do is to provide them with the measurement of curtains you require for your living room. And your order will be at your place within a week since you have placed it. All one has to do is to log on to their websites and choose design of his or her choice.

Get Help With Trash Removal and Cleaning Services From Local Companies

Moving is too stressful to not seek professional assistance with the clean-up and heavy lifting! Seek out experienced pros to help with clean up, trash removal and moving from point A to B.

Moving can be an exciting life change, but it is also a lot of work and stress to deal with. Even though you can seek help from friends and family with this process; it is typically easier and worth the money to seek professional help with the clean up of your old space, and, depending on its condition, the new space as well. Hiring companies that specialize in cleaning services and trash removal will reduce your stress and have your friends and family thanking you for not roping them into helping with the dirty work of moving.

There are many benefits to hiring cleaning, moving, and garbage removal services that outweigh the nominal costs. If you are a renter, a local cleaning service can help ensure you get your security deposit back and avoiding incurring any additional penalties. If you bought a home in foreclosure, you may need to seek help from a local hauling company for everything from trash removal to appliance disposal. If you are a new homeowner you may just want to find a moving company in your area to help with the transition and get you out of your rental property on time. Additionally, hauling services typically can help homeowners with outdoor trash, like yard waste, that may have accumulated during the time the home was on the market and can be very inconvenient and unsightly.

Whatever situation you find yourself in with your move, consider seeking help from professionals to make it a smooth adjustment. From having a maid service come help with light clean up in your new or old space to needing multiple loads of refuse removed from a poorly maintained estate, help from experienced cleaning and moving experts is a must have. Search online for local companies that can assist you in a successful move today!

Home Improvement Or A Lucrative Business: Making Your Own Concrete Stone

In these tough economic times, job security, or having a job in the first place, is everything. Which means having extra skills comes in handy, and having an idea for work that can bring in extra money, too. Or perhaps you're simply looking to do some home improvement without paying exorbitant retail prices. Either way, consider concrete stone molds.

What am I talking about? Well, whenever you see a home with one of those gorgeous, expensive-looking stone, brick or rock facades and those impressive stone walkways and other detailing, most likely that's all done with manufactured stone, using concrete molds and cement molds. Did you know that you can make all that stone yourself, saving about 90% of what it would cost in a home improvement store!? That translates into a lot of money saved if you're doing your own home improvement projects, and a terrific profit margin if you're making and selling manufactured stone.

But first, what, exactly, is manufactured stone? Basically, it's using cement and cement molds to make a huge variety of stone products, like fireplace rocks, landscape stone, driveway and patio pavers, and all the decorative stone used for decorative walls and facades.

The stone made that way looks real because it is real stone, and with a bit of practice, you can make stone that looks just like the real thing, at a fraction of the cost. Even the textures are like real stone. That's because the molds used to make the stone are taken from real stone. Which means that the stone molds and rock molds, which are made of infinitely reusable ABS plastic, impart the same variations and random imperfections that real tiles, brick and stone have. Special sealers can create whatever finish you want, from rough all the way to high gloss. As far as sizes and colors go, there's almost infinite variety. And since manufactured stone is usually only a couple of inches thick, it weighs much less than real stone and can also be used for facades and veneer where real stone would be unsuitable.

If all this sounds almost too good to be true, it's not. The opportunities for manmade stone are almost limitless. Any builder, remodeler, gardener, landscaper, craftsperson, hobbyist or motivated homeowner can do it. Of course, as is the case with everything else, there is a learning curve and you need practice to first get it right and then excel. However, virtually anyone with a bit of motivation and great ideas on how to use stone for all sorts of building and home improvement projects can do it.

The materials (molds, mold release, fortifiers, colors, sealers, additives, etc.) are readily available from mold stores who generally also provide free step-by-step instructions. Do make sure you're dealing with an outfit that's been around for a while and knows the business. That way you get the kind of ongoing support you'll want, and also a great source not only for supplies, but also for examples and ideas on how to use concrete stone molds and manufactured stone for customer projects or to improve your own home.

Romancing the Bathroom

Time to do bathroom duty. The floor and walls need a good facelift.

Older, tired bathroom? Sick of looking at the same thing day in and day out and want to do something different? Go for it. This is precisely the right time to have tile in your bathroom thanks to the rainbow of designs that have hit the market lately. The choices are endless and you can get really creative to boot.

No one is saying making the choice will be easy, but with some thought, a choice of colors and perhaps a theme, this might help you narrow down what you want. One thing to think about is that natural stone and marble tiles are usually a really big hit in the bathroom.

Speaking of unique tiles, there is something out that hasn't been on the market too long, and it's called harlequin bathroom tile designs. These are usually a white background with a small sized black diamond gracefully arranged in a lattice pattern. Quite striking really, and if you want to make a statement in the powder room, this would be one way to go. A bit of drama in one's life is always welcome, particularly if you are improving the resale value of your home. The other interesting thing about the harlequin tiles is that they aren't square, they're quadrilateral.

So let's say you don't want to get too colorful in your approach to redoing the bathroom. One of the safest motifs to opt for is the black and white theme. Plus, you don't have to special order this type of tile because it's readily available. It will do wonders for your restroom and give it a nice, clean and fresh look that is up-to-date and modern. The best match for fixtures with this color scheme does happen to be chrome, but if you have an aversion to always wiping off fingerprints, you might want to rethink that idea. Discuss it with the contractor you hire to do your work. They always have other options on hand.

Two more things to consider when checking out bathroom tile is the size of your room, as this affects the number of tiles you need, and whether or not they are porous or non-porous. Frankly, in a bathroom, unless it's just a two piece deal, you will want the non-porous tile for obvious reasons.