Financial

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes federal tax credits that can save you $1,500 or more when you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. Here’s the bottom line on what’s covered, and how you can qualify.

Most people know they should document their home’s contents for insurance reasons but they often ask why or how to do it the right way. If you have a loss due to fire, theft or natural disaster your insurance company will need certain details to complete the claims process.

Thinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the cost vs. value numbers, complied by Remodeling magazine, before you do. Read on to see the projects that gave the best and worst rate of return on investment

An attractive deck can add to the value of your home. The best deck is one that looks good and is easy to maintain. Though they cost than wood, composite decks require less maintenance, hold up to the elements better, and increase the resale value of your home more than wood decks.

Find out whether you need to hire an architect or a designer when taking on a large or small remodeling project on your home. Read on to find out more.

During a remodeling project, it’s important that the contractor coordinates the work with the various subcontractors so everyone is working together on the project. Water lines, drain pipes, electrical wires, and ductwork all occupy the same space within your walls; and each one is needs to be properly installed and inspected.

See which home improvement projects give you the most bang for your buck, from kitchens and bathroom remodels to adding a deck or finishing a basement. Watch this video to find out more.

Do you need a contract for your next remodeling project? The short answer is yes. With the exception of emergencies, insist on a contract for any work done on your home. Read on to find out more.

Contractor scams are one of the oldest tricks in the book, and they can hurt more than just your wallet. Check out these articles on how to select the right contractor and avoid getting ripped off.