Denver homeowners searching for great ways to invest their tax refund will be delighted to know that the average national refund is around $3,000. What better way to preserve or even increase your home's value than by investing your refund in upgrades? With our helpful hints, you can start planning now to spend a terrific summer – without breaking the bank!
Upgrade and make your deck more enjoyable, by adding shade, increasing privacy, and providing convenience.
-
Do you have an area that's not covered by trees or an overhang from your house? Use shade sails for diffuse shade. They’re made of weatherproof materials, come in a variety of shapes, and require absolutely no maintenance. Professional installation of a 12-foot triangular sail costs around $3,000.
-
Use built-in planters, as well as benches, to add seating, to define different areas of your deck. Budget $150 to $250 per foot for cedar or redwood planters and benches.
If you don't have a backyard patio, you're missing out on an inexpensive way to add some living area to your home. A 12 by 16 foot patio will provide ample space for a table and chairs, as well as your barbeque equipment. For professional installation of a brick patio, expect to pay about $15 per square foot, or $3,000 total. You can also use limestone, slate, and granite. Concrete is a less expensive option that costs $6 to $12 per square foot, installed.
Are you showing your house in its best light? If not, especially at night, consider an outdoor lighting scheme. You can play up your home and its landscaping details, and you’ll be adding safety and security to your property. For a professionally installed system, you'll pay a total of about $2,975, which breaks down like this:
-
7 LED outdoor lighting fixtures to illuminate 100 feet of walkway: $2,275.
-
A transformer to convert household current into low-voltage: $400.
-
Two motion-detector security lighting fixtures: $300.
Finally, how's your air conditioning system doing? Are you crossing your fingers, hoping the old unit will hold on for another year? Think about this: New central units use 30% less electricity and lower energy bills by 30% more than those made just a few years ago. You also may qualify for a $300 energy tax credit! Prices for new energy-efficient central air conditioners start at around $3,000.
Summer will be here before you know it, and Denver is definitely the cool place to be in the warmer months! Your local experts at the Bandy Team are here to make this your best summer ever. We'll show you the best homes in the Denver metro area, including houses in Aurora, Parker homes, and real estate in Castle Rock. Call us today!
Marianne Bandy
Comments(0)