Every year, many Americans receive a tax refund of around $3,000. If you fall into that category, you may already have plans for a shopping spree. But what are you going to buy? After all, that’s a huge chunk of change you could put toward a home improvement project.

“Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll [ever] make and you want to protect it,” says Sherry Holmes, contractor and co-host of DIY Network’s Holmes Next Generation, and daughter of professional contractor/TV host Mike Holmes. “So maintaining it should be a priority.”

Vacations and tech toys may seem like more exhilarating things to spend the money on but protecting and improving your valuable real estate can be a better long-term financial strategy. In fact, home improvement is downright rewarding when you invest in something that brings you joy. Here are a few more practical ideas to consider:

Get Covered

One of the best uses for a tax refund is right over your head. Investing in a new roof not only adds curb appeal, it also protects your home and its precious occupants from the elements. Just make sure to choose the right shingles for the job.

To get the best bang for your buck, choose Class 4 impact-resistant shingles by Atlas Roofing. StormMaster® Slate offers the traditional look of natural slate while StormMaster® Shake gives your home the rustic charm you’ve always wanted. Both are available in colors that pair beautifully with Pantone’s 2020 color palettes.

In addition to their beauty and color, both lines of StormMaster shingles feature Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M.

“These shingles look fantastic because they resist unsightly algae, and their beautiful color isn’t going to get covered with black streaks,” Holmes says.

Get In The Dirt

Two of the top landscape design trends for 2020 are geometric hardscaping and lots of blue. Consider adding a walkway of patterned tiles bordered by lavender, Russian sage or blue lobelia. That’s just in the front yard.

Out back, lay a new patio with pavers in a herringbone pattern. Add a fire pit or chiminea and surround the space with blue and white blooming plants to create the ideal place for friends and family to gather.

“At the least,” says Holmes referring to landscaping upgrade possibilities, “add some cute solar lights on your walkway.”

Get A Facelift

Your garage door takes up 30% to 40% of your home’s façade, which is a lot of space that you can refresh. Now’s the time to replace your existing garage door with something stylish and up to date. But don’t forget the opener. Nothing deflates that new-door experience like the creak of an old spring.

For a quick and easy alternative, consider repainting the garage door, front entry door and shutters with Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, Classic Blue.

Get Smart

“A sensible option to using your tax refund, would be to invest in making your home a connected home,” Holmes says. If you’re not already bossing Alexa around, now’s the time to get started. Everything from doorbells to ovens now comes with WiFi connectivity.

“An easy way to move toward a smart home,” she adds, “is to get a smart thermostat.” It will help you slash your energy bills by letting you monitor and adjust your temperature remotely.

She also recommends whole-home systems that link air quality, security, water and energy controls in one place.

When that tax check arrives, don't fill your Amazon cart with the latest and greatest gadgets. Hit the home store or, better yet, call a roofing contractor for an estimate on some Atlas shingles.