Government also sets aside $300M for energy retrofits
Janice Tibbetts, Canwest News Service

Published in Windsor Star , Jan 31-2009
Canadians who want to sod their lawns or renovate their bathrooms will get a tax break worth up to $1,350 as a key plank of the government’s effort to inspire spending.

Taxpayers can claim renovations on their 2009 tax returns on costs over $1,000, but not exceeding $10,000.

The list of eligible expenses for the tax credit includes renovating kitchens, bathrooms or basements; new carpeting or flooring; building additions, decks, or retaining walls; installing furnaces or water heaters; interior and exterior painting; or driveway resurfacing.

Routine maintenance does not qualify.

Such things as new furniture, appliances, tools, carpet cleaning and snow removal are excluded.