Home improvement is the work done by a homeowner or professional to improve the function, safety or appearance of a house or piece of land. Typically, this is accomplished through construction, repair or replacement of existing elements. A wide range of projects fall under the home improvement umbrella, from minor cosmetic touches such as painting and updating light fixtures to extensive kitchen or bathroom renovations.
There has been a boom in the number of homeowners looking to make improvements. A recent NerdWallet survey found that most (95%) plan to do some home improvement within the next two years. Of these, more than half are considering adding a room and just over a quarter want to redo their kitchen. Other popular upgrades include installing new countertops and tile, painting rooms and putting in a security system.
Many of these projects are expensive and it’s important to remember that not all remodeling is created equal. Not all improvements will add value to your home and the return on your investment can be quite low. The good news is that you can choose the projects and contractors wisely, which will maximize your return on investment.
A recent report by Zonda Media showed that most homeowners don’t recoup all of the money they invest in their homes’ remodels and upgrades. However, the company also found that those who focus on certain types of projects can see a better return on their money than those who don’t. Some of the best ways to get a solid return on your investment are by doing things like installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems, replacing old windows and doors and installing a water treatment system.
One of the biggest things to consider before investing in any home improvement project is your long-term plans for your home. If you’re planning on selling it soon, then any project you take on should be geared toward improving the curb appeal of your home to attract potential buyers. However, you should also be careful not to improve your home too much above the average for your neighborhood.
It’s also important to find a contractor that has a good reputation and provides quality service. Some ways to do this are by looking for membership in a trade association or checking business references before hiring someone. You can also do some research on aggregator websites that provide listings for home improvement services and act as an intermediary between service providers and homeowners. This can help you avoid scams and ensure you’re getting the best possible price for your home improvement project. In addition, it’s a good idea to look into whether the company you plan on using is licensed and insured before hiring them. This will protect you from any unforeseen costs that may arise during the project. For instance, if the contractor you hire has an insurance policy, it will cover any damages to your property that occur during the work.