As we continue to update and modernize our own homes, the problem arises concerning the proper way of disposing of the items that we have replaced. Do we overload our scrap yards without giving it a second thought or do we just dump the unwanted item wherever we can? Let’s forget about both of these objectionable options and strongly consider recycling to aid the poor.
As a result of higher energy costs, many homeowners are choosing to replace their existing windows with new energy efficient, double pane windows. This process mandates that the homeowner remove any storm windows that are currently installed over the windows that are to be replaced. Thoughtlessly discarding these perfectly good storm windows into the trash pile is absolutely wasteful and shameful. A better option would be to consider recycle these unwanted windows; recycling them to a charity that aids the poor and the needy people of this country.
Many homes today do not have storm windows at all. These homeowners are simply too poor to remodel their homes. This means that their winter energy bills are always outrageously high in spite of the fact that they are still cold. There are organizations whose main objective is to give aid to the poor. All they need is for caring people to recycle their unwanted items like storm windows. However, even though this article is about storm windows in particular, recycling to aid the poor can include anything from clothing to unwanted cars.
And if recycling to aid the poor is not satisfying enough, you can also save money on your federal income taxes by being qualified for making a charitable donation.
By: John R Roberts
Posts Tagged ‘New Energy’
Home Improvement – Recycling to Aid the Poor
March 12th, 2010Which Home Improvements Pay Off (and Which Ones Don’t)
November 2nd, 2009
There are two main reasons people take on home improvement projects: for their own pleasure and in hopes of increasing the resale value of their homes. As long as you spend time and money for the first reason, you’ll be okay. It’s when you start thinking more about the second reason that you may be in for a disappointment. Even if improvements add value to your home, few recoup the money they cost. For example, a swimming pool, which costs tens of thousands of dollars to install, adds little to no resale value to a home. People are turned off by the maintenance aspect, and parents with small children will worry about safety issues.
So, what improvements do add enough value that you’ll come close to making back what you spend? It’s the highly visible improvements that will help most. Unfortunately, the less visible ones don’t impress. Replacing the roof or furnace, while they may need doing, won’t convince a home buyer to pay more. Likewise, new energy-efficient doors and windows are not likely to recoup the cost of installation (However, if you are going to continue living in your home for the next few years, $1,000 spent on insulation and caulking existing windows and doors can help you save on your energy bills).
The biggest home improvement you can do to impress homebuyers (and make them want to pay more) is one of the cheapest. Paint. As long as you pick colors that will appeal to a wide audience–and you do it right before you list (before it has time to get mucked up)–you’ll increase appeal. Likewise crown molding is relatively inexpensive to install but adds the wow factor to otherwise regular rooms.
So, what else is worth doing? You may have heard that kitchens and bathrooms are what sell a house, and this is true, but don’t think you have to spend tens of thousands on a whole-room remodel. Getting rid of outdated wallpaper or paint will help tremendously. Also sand and paint/stain old cabinet doors to make them look new. Switch out the dated cabinet hardware for something stylish and modern.
Any time you can take dead space (i.e. an attic or basement) and turn it into functional space (i.e. bedroom, office, media room), you stand a good chance of recouping much of the money you invest in the project (85% of the cost returned at resale is the national average).
If your house only has one bathroom, you can recoup about 90% of the cost by adding a second. (Adding a third gets you back less).
Landscaping can also improve curb appeal and salability of a home, but don’t spend thousands on hiring a professional (it won’t increase the value anywhere near that much). Tackle landscaping projects you can do yourself instead.
Keep this advice in mind before you open your pocketbook to hire contracts and buy materials for massive remodeling projects. If you’re going to spend a lot, make sure it’s–first and foremost–for you and your family, with resale of the house a distant second consideration.
By: TC Thorn