Say a home with a current market value of $100,000 expands the home’s square footage such that the increase in square footage would cause the Assessor’s estimate of its market value to increase to $175,000. The added value of $75,000 from the home's improvement is exempted: the home would be assessed for taxation as if it was worth $100,000. 

If the improvement added an estimated $80,000 of value to the $100,000 home, the first $75,000 is exempted: the home would be assessed for taxation as if it was worth $105,000.
 

What is not covered by a Home Improvement Exemption?

The exemption is not granted for loss of personal property, normal weather damage, or routine maintenance. Routine maintenance includes repairs to or replacement of parts that would not increase the value of your property. The following are examples of normal upkeep:

• Repair or replace roofing materials, sidewalks, driveways, or fencing
• Insulate and/or add storm windows and doors
• Add or replace gutters and downspouts
• Place siding over existing frame structure
• Add or improve trees, lawns, and landscaping
• Paint, decorate, plaster, or change exterior ornamentations
• Replace furnace, or replace old heating systems with solar heating
• Replace kitchen cabinets, flooring, fixtures
• Replace or add water softener, or add larger hot water heater
• Add outdoor lighting, burglar or fire alarms
• Replace electrical systems or plumbing fixtures
• Install above-ground swimming pool or outdoor playground facilities
• Add automatic garage door opener
• Add aluminum soffit and facia