Dig Your Digs

As the birds fly south, we nest (at least until retirement). Padding our pads with heart and hand warming décor, food and tradition, November is the month we prepare to face December. 

We don’t normally need an incentive to spend during the ramp up to the holidays but we’ll take it, particularly when it comes in the form of tax breaks from the Feds. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) applies to home improvements ranging from perennials to a new furnace (note: save even more with an eco-improvement). And while it’s available until the end of February, we recommend getting your upgrades crossed off the list before Santa arrives.

Brandi and Kyle Rich of Rich Finishes Ltd. are a husband and wife renovation team specializing in finishing carpentry (although they can contract other trades as well). With budget and time restraints galore (only six weeks to Turkey day), the Riches confidently supplied us with a list of can-do upgrades.

In the $1000 range (minimum amount to qualify for the tax credit), they suggest focusing on bling (maybe just subtle “wow” factor) with new interior doors (replace and paint three in this category), a new kitchen countertop (material dependent of course) or 500 square feet of splashy new wall paint (that’s an average living room/dining room combo). Look up, way up to find a behind-the-scenes high impact upgrade. Reinsulating your attic will likely come in under $1500 and can be done in a few hours (and can result in a dramatic energy bill decrease).

If you can spare $5,000, think built-in book case or media center to spruce up your family room. You could repaint your entire house at this price (up to 2500 square feet) or redo your bathroom. Or, if you need a home office—it’s possible to build, paint and install a custom desk, bookcase and filing cabinets (think holiday retreat from the company). Replacing main floor windows in an average sized bungalow will likely fall into this category as well. Look to a larger company for this upgrade such as All Weather Windows.

For $10,000 (the maximum tax credit is fifteen percent of this price) you could reface your kitchen cabinets before your in-laws arrive or finish a basement from the drywall stage (hello, guest room). While a new furnace is less flashy, it’s definitely more earth friendly. A new home heating unit often comes in around between five and ten grand.

Rich Finishes Ltd. has been in business since March 2008 and with impeccably detailed work, they come recommended from high end local contractors. While their can-do list uses basic materials such as MDF and lacquer, they are able to work with and supply a range of materials in the eco-spectrum on client demand.

It’s like a renovation fire sale. Fifteen percent back from the government has a shortbread sweetness we can’t pass up. So, get on it and decorate your digs before the company descends and the snow flies (again).

SavvySpecial: Save an additional ten percent off your bill (above the fifteen percent tax credit) by spending a minimum $2500 with Rich Finishes on a home renovation project.

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