Keith,
I purchased my first home in the beginning of 2009. What home improvement tips do you suggest in 2010?
- Jamie, Pittsfield Twp.

Hi Jamie. Let me first say congratulations on your first home. I hope with the current economic situation that you were able to get a great deal.

Below are 4 home improvement tasks I suggest often for many homeowners:

Federal Tax Credits. Purchasing a home can be an expensive endeavor. But by doing your research, you can save thousands of dollars on certain energy-efficient home improvements. If you plan to purchase any new windows, appliances or exterior doors in 2010, you may qualify for federal tax credits. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/ for details and products types.

Energy Audit. Energy audits are a report specific to your property and energy losses. The reports provide you with a list of ways to lower energy bills. The lists can include suggestions such as adding insulation, upgrading doors and venting your roof. I have seen homeowners who saved thousands of dollars by just caulking windows instead of replacing them. The typical audit ranges from $250-$500. DTE Energy offers rebates up to $200. Go to dteenergy.com for details. Also, don’t forget to replace those burnt out light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs.

Organize. Clutter can stress you. As the Chinese Feng Shui theory suggests, you must organize your home and make it clutter free to maximize your relaxation. There is a way you can live clutter free, help others and make some money at the same time.

If there are unwanted items in your home, give it to the charity of your choice. Your unwanted home improvement items can be given to Habitat for Humanity Restore in Ann Arbor, (734) 822-1530. Or donate any items to the Salvation Army. Have something to sell? Post an unwanted item on craigslist.com and sell it and make some cash!

Paint. Painting is one of the least costly home improvements projects and can make a huge impact to any home. Painting can have a dramatic effect and allow you to customize to your taste due to the versatility of paints and the variety of colors. There are many websites which will allow you to upload a picture of your home, (interior or exterior), and view the difference BEFORE you paint. Technology - Got to love it! Here are a couple popular sites: colorjive.com/home.action and benjaminmoore.com/.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. He serves as president and founding member of HandyPro Handyman Service and nationally franchised HandyPro International. Listen to Keith every Saturday on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” on WAAM 1600AM. Email Keith with your comments or questions.