Home improvement, also known as home renovation or remodeling, is the process of upgrading a house through interior and exterior repairs and changes. The goal is to increase the overall value of a property, while at the same time improving the comfort and utility of a dwelling. Home improvements can be as simple as painting a room or as complex as building an addition. They may be carried out for a variety of reasons, including improving a home’s aesthetics, increasing its functionality or adding safety features.
While the economy appears to be recovering, homeowners are still investing in their homes. According to a NerdWallet survey, 95% of homeowners are planning at least one home improvement project within the next two years. Many homeowners are focusing on smaller projects like replacing light fixtures or painting rooms, while others are planning more extensive work such as adding a new bathroom or renovating the kitchen.
There has been a surge in home improvement projects that focus on the outdoors, with deck construction and fence construction both surging more than threefold this year. In addition, putting in a new backyard trampoline and hiring landscapers are also increasing. These projects are typically less expensive than major renovations such as converting a garage into a living space or adding an outdoor kitchen.
Before you start any renovations, be sure to determine your budget. It is important to know how much you can afford to spend on a project before starting, so that you can avoid going over budget or running out of money during the course of the work. Also, be sure to consider any extra expenses that might come up during the course of the project such as unforeseen repairs or weather delays.
It is also a good idea to consider the long-term benefits of a particular project before making any decisions. If you plan on selling your house in the future, it is a good idea to invest in upgrades that will appeal to a broad range of potential buyers. This will ensure that you get the highest return on your investment.
If you are not sure which projects will add the most value to your home, it is a good idea to talk to a real estate agent or other industry professionals. They can give you advice on which projects are the most cost-effective and which ones will likely pay off when it comes to resale.
When it comes to selecting a contractor for your home improvement project, be sure to find out whether they are licensed and insured. You can do this by checking with your local government or by contacting an association for professional contractors. Also, remember to always get a written contract for any work performed. This way, if you are not happy with the work or if something goes wrong, you will have proof of the work performed. Also, it is a good idea to check references and do a background check on any potential contractors before hiring them.