Doing taxes isn’t exactly what I’d called an enjoyable task. There can be, however, a silver lining: a little extra cash back in your pocket. If you received a refund this year, you may be wondering how to spend it. Tucking some into savings is always a good idea. So is paying off debt. Another wise option is investing some of that money into your home. But what are some smart splurges that will actually improve the look and functionality of your home while simultaneously increasing its value? Whether this is your forever home or one you plan to sell, let’s take a look at some specific home improvement projects that will really pay off.

(1) Landscaping

Landscaping is an especially good investment if your goal is to sell your home in the near future. Even if you aren’t planning to sell for a few years, some carefully designed curb appeal can bring you enjoyment in the here and now. Give the exterior of your home a nice upgrade by planting things like beautiful shade trees, ornamental evergreens, and colorful perennials that will bring enjoyment year after year. A polished exterior will give a good first impression and show that the house is taken care of.

(2) Windows

New, energy-efficient windows will certainly give you bang for your buck. Over time, windows become dingy and drafty, making them not only inefficient, but unsightly as well. Installing new windows can be pricey, but thankfully, you can write them off and possibly receive a tax credit for the upgrade. And be sure to finish off those gorgeous windows with some custom window treatments and hardware.

(3) Paint

Paint is not only one of the easiest updates you can give your home, it’s also one of the cheapest. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. If you’re planning to sell, choose a color palette that includes neutrals or at least colors that are currently trending (even then, however, use them sparingly). Some no-fail paint colors include white or cream, beige, gray, and blue.

(4) Basement

There are so many things you can do with a basement. A finished basement can serve as a family room, an office, a game or media room, and so much more. If you have a basement, consider spending some money to get it fully functional. If you live in an area that has tight zoning restrictions, then splurging on your basement is certainly a great way to add onto the house without breaking any rules.

(5) Flooring

You can add so much more value to a home by updating the flooring. Whether you replace old carpet or lay down hardwood or tile, new flooring will make a huge difference aesthetically. Once your flooring is updated, be sure to add both style and a layer of protection by incorporating a new area rug. Stop by and check out our wide selection of rugs, which suits a variety of decorating styles.

Runners Up

A good rule of thumb is to keep your geographical location in mind when it comes time to invest money into home decorating projects. If none of the above are upgrades your home needs or allows for, then there are plenty of other options. Some of our favorite runners up include: