The Home Renovation Tax Credit expired Sunday, but for some in Windsor and Essex County it's too soon an end for a program that's helped them spruce up their homes.
"I hope they extend it," said 36-year-old Kit McEvoy of Amherstburg.
He and his wife of 14 years, Sarah Smith, made an early morning run to Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Co. in downtown Windsor Saturday, looking to take advantage of down-to-the-wire sales to pick up some slate tile for their kitchen.
The non-refundable tax credit, which reduces federal income tax, applied to goods acquired or work performed between Jan. 27, 2009 and Sunday.
Eligible expenses included permanent home renovations, such as new floors, driveways and windows. It applied to expenses between $1,000 and $10,000. Some things, like carpet and house cleaning, were ineligible.
It's been a big help to McEvoy and Smith. They moved into a repossessed house in July and have since spent about $5,000 fixing it up, but McEvoy says they wouldn't have moved at all if not for the credit. They even got a tax credit for being first-time homeowners.
"Extend it another year," McEvoy said. "It'd definitely keep us going on more improvements for the house."
"It adds impetus for people like us to be able to spend some money," said Smith.
McEvoy said he and Smith have fast-tracked their renovation plans thanks to the tax incentive.
They've put in new floors, French doors and insulation, and they had their lawn regraded. "We might as well get in and take advantage of it now."
Erik Rorseth, a contract salesman for Hi! Neighbor, said he'd like to see the tax credit extended because it would be good for retailers and consumers alike. It's already brought big traffic through his doors.
"It's the largest volume of traffic we've ever seen driven by a government incentive plan," he said. "It's been successful in maintaining strong sales levels during the current conditions in the city."
With the government helping out, Rorseth said, people feel free to do their renovations now and benefit from the incentive. People have rushed to cash in already this January, doubling or tripling Hi! Neighbor's usual traffic.
"Usually after Christmas is a softer time, but this is the strongest month we've had," he said.
"They're snapping up hardwood and laminate flooring in particular, he said. "We've gone through truckloads of hardwood."
Homeowner Betty, who didn't want her last name used, was looking for laminate flooring Saturday, but she'd already used the credit to replace a window. With another program, the retrofit tax credit, she'd reinsulated her entire house.
"The only way I could have done it was with government help," she said. Now she's saving money on her heating and hydro bills.
She'd love to see the home renovation credit extended.
"It's a really good way for the government to help us out with the economy the way it is."
As for what she'd do with an extended credit, Betty said she'd replace more windows.
McEvoy and Smith, meanwhile, plan to renovate the kitchen and would love to have the tax credit there to help.
"It's money in our slacks," Smith said.
