• Check credentials: Ask the preparer about his/her training. Will they represent you in case of an audit? Only enrolled agents, CPA’s and tax attorneys can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection auctions and appeals. Will you be able to contact them after the return is filed?
  • Tax preparer from chain or local outlets: They usually show up in rented storefronts along tax time. If your return is a relatively simple one, this could be a good inexpensive option.
  • Enrolled Agent: They are licensed by the federal government which means they have passed an IRS exam, background check and they complete continuing education requirements every year.
  • CPA: They must undergo rigorous training. Not all handle tax matters so be sure to check first.
  • Tax Attorney: May be a good choice if you have a highly complex situation, own a small business or need guidance completing your return.
• Get organized: Compile all your documents and make an appointment early with your preparer. Take a copy of last years return. Make a list of questions you want to ask the preparer. You have a better chance getting in mid to late February. March may be a tough time.
• Ask for an estimate: There’s a wide range of tax preparers with varying fees so know up front what you’re paying for. Beware of preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Fees generally range from $50-$1,000 and are usually determined by an hourly rate. Money-saving tip: Get all of your receipts organized and cut down on the amount of time your accountant has to pour over your financials.
• Get references: Ask questions from clients who have used the tax preparer before. Were they satisfied with their service?
• Do your research: Check with Angie’s List about any questionable history. Check with the IRS about tax schemes and scams.
• Check your return: Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item. Read it carefully and ask the preparer for a copy of the return.

If you're going to prepare your own tax returns, follow these Angie's List tips:

• Don’t procrastinate: Your last-minute haste may cause you to overlook potential tax savings sources and increase the likelihood of an error.
• Organize your records: It can be as simple as designating a folder or drawer where you put all receipts and records you’ll need for your taxes throughout the year.
• Visit the IRS online: It’s a great resource for all the forms you’ll need, as well as finding out what free assistance – including volunteer tax counseling programs – might be available to help you navigate the process.
• File electronically: Not only is it easier, it’s proven to be the most accurate way of filing. You’ll also have a shorter wait time for your refund.
• Have your refund direct deposited to your bank account: Be sure to double-check your bank’s routing number and your account number.
• Double-check your math and data entries, and review your entire form: Math errors are some of the most common mistakes on tax filings. Make sure your Social Security and other identification numbers are correct. If you’re filing a joint return, make sure you both sign and date the form.
• File even if you owe the IRS, but can't pay: Submit the tax return by the due date and contact the IRS and ask if you can set up a payment plan. The IRS will charge a fee to set up a payment plan, but if you can't pay all at once - this is the best approach. Same applies to your state return.

Asphalt shingles are on about two-thirds of the roofs across the U.S. And, in most cases, homeowners can expect them to last 20 to 25 years. However, problems - such as severe storms - can quickly result in costly fixes.

Signs you need a new roof:

• You find granules from the shingles in the gutters or around your downspouts.
• The corners of the shingles peel up at the edges and you can see the underlying roof.
• The color becomes inconsistent and dark, meaning the granules have worn away.
• You notice shingles are missing or you find them in your yard.
• Moss or algae has begun to cover the shingles.
• You notice a spongy feel or trampoline bounce when walking on the roof, which means the underlying decking is weakened from moisture.If your roof is 15 years old or more, check it regularly and look closely for the early signs of problems.

Tips to extend the life of your roof:

• Make sure your attic is properly vented and that vents, including soffit vents, aren’t blocked by insulation or debris.
• Clean your gutters regularly and don’t let leaves and debris collect in valleys on the roof.

Regular maintenance on major home appliances can help to ensure their efficiency and lifespan.

• Get your air conditioner serviced. Technicians can test your air conditioner as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees. Call now to get on their schedule before the first warm days of spring.
• Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on garage doors with a light household oil – don’t use petroleum-based lubricants. You can call a professional to take care of this, as well as service the opener mechanism itself. Don’t attempt to service the opener mechanism yourself. Your garage door opener can be one of the most dangerous appliances around your house.
• Get your water heater serviced. Maintained properly, water heaters will last for years and deliver gallon after gallon of hot water. Left alone, they’ll quickly lose efficiency, sucking dollars out of your wallet with every degree of heat.
• Be sure your sump pump works properly. To test, fill the sump pit with water and go outside to make sure the pump is actually discharging water. You can also eliminate any build-up in the system by pouring white vinegar through the unit.

From suburban sprawl to city settings, landscaping can add a whole new level of beauty to your home.

Shaded lots. Even if you have a shaded lot, there are still plenty of perennials that will perform well – hastas, coral barrels, estebol to name a few. They vary in color, and some won’t flower but the colorful leaves make them very attractive. You can also combine shrubs with evergreens to bring an extra level of green if you have a small amount of grass.

Hardscapes. Today, there is a huge variety of stones available – brick pavers, stonework, loose stones. Size and type of stones dictate price and keep in mind that stone work is very labor intensive.

Create a border. Landscaping takes on a whole new feel when you define the yard with a visible border, whether it’s shrubbery, stonework, retaining walls or fencing.

Urban challenges? Small lot sizes and an abundance of shade create unique challenges, but landscaping is still a popular project for city residents. Most parkways have old trees with exposed roots and in order to have planting soil the bed has to be raised. Another perk to raised beds – dogs tend to stay away from them.

Plant selection. If you’re in a cooler climate, wait until mid-May to purchase plants. Even though some are available in April, it’s not a great selection. Overnight freezes will hurt the plants and low temperatures don’t allow for the nursery to carry a good variety. Depending on the weather, landscapers can start quoting prices and creating detailed plans in February and early march.

For Angie's List members who live far away from their aging parents, finding a reliable handyman to take care of routine maintenance is a huge relief. For those who need home health care, hospice or more intensive care, finding the right person or facility will be among the most important decisions they’ll ever make.

• Plan before a crisis hits. Don't wait for an emergency to happen before seeking care for an elderly relative. You can make more informed decisions by discussing care options ahead of time.
• Assess your elder’s needs. Determine what type of care is most important. Make a list of specific chores and duties needed for care. Be sure to include personal and medical care as well as household tasks that will need to be done.
• Research your options. Talk to agencies as well as independent providers about the care you are seeking then check their ratings on Angie’s List.
• Conduct an in-depth interview. Meet with each candidate in person. If possible, include the potential care recipient in the screening process. Be specific about all the tasks involved. Do not hire someone you are not 100 percent comfortable with.
• Check references: Ask the provider to supply you with a list of references who can talk about their quality of work. Contact current and former patients, their family members, and doctors.
• Ask about training. How does the provider select and train its employees?
• Are they licensed? Many states require home care providers to earn a license to operate. Your state health department can provide you information on its licensed providers.
• Consider a background check. While agencies typically screen its employees, it’s up to you when hiring an independent provider.
• Is there a Plan B? What procedures does the provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
• What is the financial process? Be sure the provider provides written statements explaining the costs and payment options.
• Be careful with financial and confidential information. Do not give access to any accounts. Avoid having the worker handle any important communications with doctors, lawyers and accountants.
• Share the recipient’s interests. Provide some ideas on how the care provider and recipient can spend their time together.

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel or need someone to remove a fallen tree off your driveway, do your homework before you hire. Check out our 2008 list of worst contractors.

• Clearly define your project. Before you begin talking with contractors, pick up remodeling magazines, search the Internet for information on designs and materials and put your ideas on paper. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of what your expectations are and what you're hoping to accomplish.

• Do you need a general contractor? Once you know what you want done, consider what you realistically can accomplish on your own. For larger projects, especially those that may involve more than three different service providers, a general contractor to oversee your project may be required.

• Consider an architect. If you're eliminating walls, adding rooms or doing anything that impacts the structure of your home, an architect or structural engineer may be a good idea. Some larger remodeling firms have these professionals on staff to review possible options, finalize plans and ensure the structural integrity of your home.

• Ask around. Ask neighbors and friends who’ve had work done for references. If you’re new in town, or don’t know anyone who has had similar projects done, check Angie’s List  for references.

• Do your research. Don’t just hire based on a conversation. Check the performance record of the contractor you plan to hire through Angie’s List or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). If your contractor balks at providing references, move to the next one on your list.

• Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out if they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, as well as if they’d hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask if they work with the contractor often and does he pay on time.

• Get estimates: Take the time to get at least a few different estimates for your job. And get it in writing – documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

• Where can I reach you? Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address or only use an answering service.

• License for hire: Some states or cities have no licensing requirements for contractors, which can make it difficult for homeowners to check up on contractors before they hire. Don’t rely on the contractor’s word to know whether his or her license is valid: check it out through the appropriate agency. 

• Insured & bonded? Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage. Angie’s List members can check the website for a list of sites by state and category. 

• Know your budget and payment options. Experts say the recommended deposit is typically between 10 percent and 15 percent of the total value of the project, but it can vary. Even the most careful budget will change, especially if your project includes hidden problems. Never pay for a project with cash; always use a credit card so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that the work is complete. 

• Review all aspects of the contract before you sign. Don't assume certain specifics are included, such as appliance installation. Know the details of the contract, as well as how any change orders will be handled. Check that your contract includes a lien waiver, covering payments to all subcontractors who worked on the project. 

• Confirm the “punch list” procedure. Basically, this is how the contractor will deal with the list of small items remaining to be completed at the end of the job. A good rule of thumb is to determine the cost of those items, double it, then withhold that amount from the final payment until the list is complete.

 

• Prepare your family for the stress. This is one of the most overlooked, but critical considerations. How will the project change your routine, especially if it’s a kitchen or bath? Where will materials be stored? What are the working hours for the crew?

 

Are homeowners at risk of over-investing in their home? It’s a question every homeowner should consider before they start a big remodeling or home improvement project, whether they’re selling soon or not. The tough part is that everyone’s situation is different, there’s no universal formula to determine how much is too much.

Before you get started, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the remodeling project to get your home ready to sell or improve your family’s living space? If it’s to improve the living space for your family, and you’re planning to stay in the house for several more years, it’s probably worth spending a little to achieve what you want.
2. Are you planning to sell soon? If you’re planning to move within the next few months or year, big-dollar projects may not be a good idea. You stand less a chance of recouping your investment.
3. What is the typical resale price of homes in your neighborhood? Return depends on what’s typical for your neighborhood. With a little research, you can see what the average sale price is for homes in your area and determine what your “ceiling” is for investment.
4. What features do typical homes in your neighborhood offer? If your home only has one bathroom, but all your neighbors have two, adding a second bath may be a good idea.
5. How much can you afford to spend? This again speaks to the personal nature of the decision, and is impacted by whether you’re planning to sell or stay in the house. If you’re planning to stay for a while, you may consider breaking the project into phases so you can spread the cost out over a few years.
6. If you're planning a major home improvement project this year, call your insurance agent before the work begins and increase your coverage in case something happens before the job is complete. You can't recover the costs if you were never insured for them. Your agent should be happy to talk you through this kind of project and the annual review process. If he or she won't give you that kind of time and attention, you might want to consider another provider.

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when it comes to your remodeling project:

• Because there are many variables that affect the housing market, you shouldn’t expect to get a dollar-for-dollar return on a project. A $20,000 kitchen remodel doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get $20,000 more for your home.
• Converting existing space into usable space, like an attic into a bedroom, finishing a basement or adding a deck, will bring a better return than adding actual square footage in the way of a new family room. The upfront costs aren’t nearly as exorbitant.
• The amount of return is directly proportional to the grade of materials. When finishing a basement, for instance, wall-to-wall carpeting and drywall will bring a lot more than cheap paneling and a drop in ceiling.
• Kitchens and baths are a good area to focus on if you are going to be in your house at least five more years. These are the more costly remodeling projects, but you’ll be living in the home long enough to enjoy the upgrades and are more likely to recoup the investment.
• Behind the scenes improvements that increase the house’s integrity, such as a new roof, won’t garner the kind of return that homeowners might expect. Buyers expect these things to be in good shape on a home.
• A common remodeling mistake is a pool. The majority of the market rejects this because of the maintenance requirements and safety issues for children. Exception: If your home is the only one on the block that doesn’t have one, it could be a factor when it comes time to sell.
• Don’t sink big dollars into extra landscaping. Simple is best. Add some mulch and brightly- colored flowers, don’t drop several hundred dollars on brick pavers. Let the buyer do that.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and while chocolates, cards, and flowers are appreciated, get creative and tailor a gift especially for your loved one to really impress them.

You’d think the third-largest energy hog in your home would demand its share of attention. But not the lowly water heater. It generally stands alone in its corner, gathering dust and dutifully heating water on demand. What most homeowners don’t realize is that silent silo could be draining their wallets with every steamy shower or load of dishes.

With the stalled housing market, more homeowners are creating their dream home in their current house. In a poll conducted in 2008, Angie's List members said they plan to spend $11,250 to improve their homes, a 13 percent increase over last year.

Angie's List founder Angie Hicks said the tax refunds and rebates will help with plans, but she cautioned homeowners to think before they renovate.

"Most home improvements are sound financial moves, but homeowners should take a good inventory of their home and prioritize before they invest,” Hicks said. “While you may want to add a new deck, you may need to repair or replace your furnace.”

• The Basics: The roof, furnace and water heater, won’t garner great returns, but are expected to be in good shape. Proper home maintenance saves you money on a daily basis and positions you well for a sale.
  
• Best bets: Kitchen and bath renovations are expensive but great investments if you are going to be in your house at least five more years. They’re also the rooms buyers pay most attention to and can make or break your sale.
  
• Good bets: Turning attics and basements into livable space, or adding decks, can bring a better return than adding square footage, and the upfront costs aren’t nearly as exorbitant. Finishing touches matter, though. Wall-to-wall carpeting and drywall in a basement will bring a lot more than cheap paneling and a drop-in ceiling.
  
• Stand outs: If you have only one bathroom, but all your neighbors have two, a second bath is a good idea, both now and when you sell.
  
• Curb the appeal: Don’t sink big dollars into extra landscaping, pavers or gazebos that your buyer may hate. Keep it simple with mulch and pretty plants.
  

Before you think about how to spend your tax check, consider how much you’re getting back. If your tax refund is more than $1,000, you should consider adjusting the amount your employer withholds from your paycheck. You’ll get a smaller refund next year, but you will have had access to your money sooner. A big tax refund isn’t a windfall. It’s you getting back your own money, which you’ve given away in a no-interest loan.

For those who have a financial cushion, now is the time to consider strategic investments, she added. “The old adage of ‘buy low and sell high’ is still used because it actually works. Be sure you’re buying quality funds and stocks, though, so you get to the “high” part when the market rebounds.

*1,388 Angie’s List members took our poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List members, but not the general public.