During the holiday season families come together to celebrate, but busy households can bring scratched walls, scuffed floors or even worse: provide in-laws with the opportunity to point out that your 1970’s patterned wallpaper is no longer the height of fashion.

Now that the hustle and bustle is over, why not tackle the home projects that took a backseat in 2009 and save money for your efforts? Until January 31st Canadians can use the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) to take advantage of additional savings, but time is running out. If any of these situations sound familiar, it may be time for you to roll up your sleeves and tackle a new D-I-Y project in early 2010:

• Did Uncle Frank make disparaging remarks about your kitchen or bathroom over the holidays? Even if you don’t have time for a complete overhaul, you can still add comfort and style to these well-used areas of the home with a few simple updates. For the bathroom install a new water-efficient faucet, toilet or showerhead to save water and money with every use. You could also consider updating the lighting, installing a new bath fan, changing the flooring and freshening-up the walls with a new coat of paint. Get cooking in the kitchen with a new faucet, flooring, backsplash and paint. For a bigger change, paint the cabinetry and add new cabinet hardware. Although these may seem like small steps, they are sure to create a transformation that will wow the family next year – even if Uncle Frank isn’t invited back.

• If having large family gatherings has left the floors scuffed or scraped, think laminate or vinyl for an easy update that can make a big difference. Not only are these floors a stylish option that come in many different patterns and styles, but new innovations have made them easy to install, even for the do-it-yourselfer. All it takes is a little elbow grease to get the job done.

• Did little Jimmy test out his new art set on the walls? Not to worry – with The Home Depot’s extensive paint and wallpaper section, fixing these problems is a no brainer. Behr has even taken the pain out of painting with their new 2-in-1 paint and primer. Available in all of this year’s hottest colours, one coat of paint can leave an entire room looking brand new. For even more impact, create a focal wall by covering it with a bold-patterned wallpaper or add easy to install Flip Face reversible crown moulding.

• Did overnight guests claim icicles formed on their noses while they slept in the basement guest room? Installing loose fill insulation is the easiest way to keep warm this winter. In just four easy steps homeowners can save up to 20 per cent on their heating and cooling bills.

For more easy-to-do HRTC-eligible projects or to learn more about what products qualify, please visit www.homedepot.ca/hrtc.

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Aly Ruiz
416-969-2763
aruiz@environicspr.com