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For those of you who read the column last time and thought that you had no major renovations that needed to be done, other than perhaps painting a room or two and planting a few shrubs, here’s another scenario you might want to consider that will enable you to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit discussed last week.
If you have an elderly parent who may be moving in with you in the next couple of years or if you are considering staying in your home until “they carry you out in a pine box”, now would be a good time to make some changes that will improve your quality of life going forward.
As mentioned, the Home Renovation Tax Credit allows selected renovations to be done inside and outside your home for which you will receive a pro rated tax credit. Renovations must be done between January 27, 2009 and February 1st, 2010.
If you want to start making changes to your home, but don’t want them to be too obvious, just in case you move or never need to use a wheelchair or walker, here are some simple changes:
Lighting · Use motion detectors around your house and ensure that you have lots of lighting at your front door. Walkway lighting is also recommended if you have a long walkway. For security, have a good light at the front door, it will also help you find your keys and the keyhole
Garage · Clean out the garage so you can actually use it. Warm cars are more comfortable to get into and idling them is unfriendly for the environment If you don’t have an automatic garage door opener, have one installed. Most models will have automatic lighting as well
Walkways · Grade your walkway to the driveway if possible · Make sure the walkway is in good condition with no cracks or upheavals that you or another family member will stumble over Is your walkway wide enough to accommodate two people if care is required?
Stairs · Ensure that exterior stairs are in good condition, wide enough for two people and deep enough to be able to plant your entire foot. · Make stairs slip resistant · Assess the quality of the railings – are they in good condition and can you easily use the handle rail?
Front Porch · Is the front porch in good condition and made of a slip resistant material? · Is it wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker? · Can you put a small table or bench outside at the front door/ · Is your front door handle a latch type or circle knob? Arthritics have a hard time grasping and turning so a latch or press down type of door handle is would be easier to use. Although we are reluctant to have glass doors for security reasons, being able to see who is at the door is important. Again, think about how well you could use your front door if you were incapacitated.
In the next column, we will evaluate the inside of your home. Remember, the Home Renovation Tax Credit includes the cost of professionals, be they architects, designers or trades people so now might be a good time to start preparing for the future.
Small changes can make a big difference in your life today and tomorrow. |
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The Tax Credit—Another Perspective (Uxbridge Cosmos Newspaper) |
