Credit Karma conducted a recent survey and discovered that 33% of those asked are expecting a refund of $1,001 or more this year, and 16% responded that they expect $2,501 or more. Now, we cannot get into the financial sense of tax refunds, but if you are one of those expecting a refund and planning to use it for some home-work, here are a few suggestions on how best to spend that money!

$1,000 or Less

  • Replacing the front door is an expensive job, but it can create a whole new look for the front exterior of your home.
  • Improve an existing front walkway or add one.  Whether the home is going on the market soon or not, a new walkway will improve the curb appeal.
  • Make the kitchen look like it has undergone an expensive update: paint the cabinets, replace the hardware, and add a tile backsplash.
  • Install new light fixtures in the home. Shop smart, and every room in the house can get stylish new flush-mount fixtures.
  • DIY a minor bathroom renovation:  replace the toilet, faucets, and lights, and give the tub/shower a makeover with a refinishing kit.
  • Upgrade one appliance kitchen appliance.

            $1,000-$2,000

  • Making repairs that have been put off because of the expense should be done before any improvements are made. Protecting your investment is more important than new bathroom tile.
  • Bump your front lawn landscaping up a notch and hire a landscape designer to create a custom design for your yard.
  • Have those “popcorn” ceilings removed by a pro, and add new crown molding.
  • Tankless water heaters, whether whole-house or single-point, are worth the investment, as there will be an immediate difference in power usage.
  • Take on a DIY job and save money: paint the home’s exterior, install new flooring, add wainscotting, or install kitchen countertops.

A tax refund can feel like a small lottery win, and using it for a visible home improvement job is very satisfying. However, using those funds to pay down any accumulated debt or as an investment will pay back in the long run. Check out these ideas from Investopedia, and take off some of that financial load!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.