Welcome To:
Understanding Subcontractors — What Every Homeowner Should Know
(A Five-Part Homeowner Education Series)
Protect Your Investment, Maximize Deductions, and Stay Legally Organized
Purpose of This Lesson:
Building a home is both an emotional and financial milestone.
Every dollar spent — from land to light fixtures — becomes part of your financial record.
By understanding tax rules, cost tracking, and energy incentives, homeowners can legally save thousands and ensure long-term compliance for resale, refinancing, or audits.
Video Explanation
Track Your Cost Basis
Learn It:
Your cost basis is the total investment in your property — everything you spend to buy, design, and build your home.
This number directly affects your capital gains tax when you sell.The higher your documented basis, the lower your taxable gain.
Log It:
☑️ Record every expense:
• Land purchase and closing costs • Permits, materials, and labor • Design, engineering, and inspection fees • Temporary utilities and site prep
☑️ Create a folder in your Digital Home Manual → Financial Records → Cost Basis.
☑️ Store all receipts and digital invoices there.
Tip: A well-documented cost basis can save you thousands in future taxes.*
Deductible Interest & Financing Fees
If you financed construction, certain interest and loan fees may qualify as tax-deductible under IRS mortgage rules.Eligible deductions can include:
Construction loan interest (during the build period)
Loan origination points and fees
Appraisal and financing costs
☑️ Create a file titled “Construction Loan Documentation.”
☑️ Save:
• Loan agreement and amortization schedule • Monthly statements showing interest paid • Bank or lender correspondence
☑️ Label each file with its date and amount for easy year-end review.
Pro Tip: Once your loan converts to a mortgage, those same deductions often continue — check with your CPA.*
Property Tax Implications
Learn It:Your property taxes will likely increase after construction, once the assessor updates your home’s value.
Understanding when this happens helps you budget properly and avoid surprise bills.
☑️ Save your county assessment notices and property tax statements in a folder titled “Property Tax Records.”
☑️ Record the assessed value changes each year.
☑️ If your value seems inaccurate, note appeal deadlines on your local assessor’s website.
Tip: Property taxes are deductible in certain cases, but capped under federal limits — your CPA can confirm eligibility.*
Energy Rebates & Credits
Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for your wallet.
Federal, state, and utility programs offer rebates and credits for features such as:
Solar energy systems
Heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC
Insulated windows, doors, and roofing
Energy Star appliances and lighting
☑️ Visit:
• IRS Energy Efficient Home Credit • Puget Sound Energy Rebates • SnoPUD Energy Programs
☑️ Save confirmation emails, rebate forms, and proof of purchase.
☑️ Store all files under “Energy Incentives & Rebates.”
Tip: Combine utility rebates with federal tax credits for maximum savings.*
Financial Organization & Compliance
Financial organization is your key to smooth tax filing, loan applications, and resale documentation.Your Digital Home Manual acts as your financial archive — protecting you long-term.
☑️ Create a folder titled “Financial Compliance Archive.”
☑️ Include:
• Cost Basis Record • Loan Documents • Tax Statements • Rebate Confirmations
☑️ Review and update this folder quarterly.
☑️ Share it with your accountant or financial advisor securely.
Tip: Organized financials make audits painless and appraisals easier — professionalism pays dividends.*
Thank you for completing this Session!
Smart documentation isn’t just about compliance — it’s about control.When every expense, credit, and receipt is logged, you don’t just build a house — you build financial resilience.
Your Digital Home Manual becomes both your project archive and your tax advantage toolkit.
Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist
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