What should I consider when hiring someone to raise my sunken living room?

• <div><p>Selecting the right <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/general-contractors/">general contractor</a> to tackle a job like raising a sunken living room can feel like an overwhelming prospect. Follow these tips to find, vet, and hire the best local contractor for your project:</p><ul><li><p>Get recommendations from neighbors and friends who might be able to suggest contractors they’ve used.</p></li><li><p>Request written quotes to help set your budget and expectations.</p></li><li><p>Verify your contractor’s credentials to ensure a professional and legal finished product.</p></li><li><p>Read the contractor’s proposed contract to make sure you agree to all terms, including the project timeline, cost, and materials. </p></li><li><p>Keep copies of all relevant documentation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Does a home theater add value to your home?

• <div><p>Installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/movie-experience-at-home-upgrades.htm">new home theater</a> or upgrading your current one will likely add value to your home, as many prospective buyers will consider it an exciting bonus feature. However, the value of a home theater is subjective and depends on the buyer, so there’s no guarantee that it’ll increase your home sale value. Keep in mind that home theaters typically have a return on investment rate of about 65%.</p></div>

What should I renovate first when remodeling a home on a budget?

• <div><p>When deciding what to renovate first when remodeling a house on a budget, think about your home’s most pressing need. If you have an old kitchen that isn’t functional, you may want to start there. If you need extra living space for your growing family immediately, consider remodeling the basement first. Learning <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-ways-prioritize-your-remodeling-projects.htm">how to prioritize home improvement projects</a> can help you stick to your budget while making improvements that give you the biggest immediate benefit.</p></div>

Where is the best place to put a home theater?

• <div><p>The best place to put your home theater is a space that does not get outside light, such as a basement. Another consideration is the proximity to bedrooms or offices that may be disturbed by the surround sound playing at high volume. A higher ceiling works best for mounting a projector, so consider space and sound limitations. For help determining the best place for your home theater, consider hiring a professional home theater installer who can provide recommendations and project plans.</p></div>

Are renovations to a home office tax deductible?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/are-home-office-renovations-tax-deductible.htm">Home office renovations are tax deductible</a> in certain circumstances. First, you must be eligible to take a deduction for your home office. From a federal tax standpoint, you must be a business owner or self-employed to take this deduction. If you are an employee working from home, you cannot take the home office tax deduction federally. (If you pay state income taxes, some states do allow this deduction.) If you are eligible to take a home office deduction, you should be able to take deductions for your home office renovation. </p></div>