Home improvement is the process of upgrading and repairing your house. This can include painting, landscaping, adding fixtures or appliances and even remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. Home improvements can increase the comfort of your home and also help you to save money on energy costs. It can also improve your home’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
The first step in home improvement is to decide which projects you want to work on. This can be done by looking at your current home or visiting the homes of friends and neighbors. Once you have a list of desired projects, you can start researching contractors. It is important to find a contractor that is licensed and insured. Having insurance coverage will protect you in the event that a worker is injured on your property or damage is caused to your home. It is also important to find out whether the contractor has a reputable business history and is a member of a professional association.
It is also important to consider the return on investment for each project. Some home improvements will produce excellent ROI values, while others may not. It is recommended that you research the returns on each project before starting. You can also consult a real estate agent to find out which improvements will add the most value to your home.
When you are deciding on what projects to undertake, it is important to consider your budget and how long you plan to live in the home. It is also a good idea to check with your local planning department to see what permits you will need for the project.
In order to complete your home improvement project, you will need the right tools and materials. Many home improvement projects can be completed by yourself, but some require specialized skills and knowledge that can only be obtained through formal training or experience. This is especially true when working with electrical, plumbing or heating systems.
According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, homeowners are planning more home improvement projects than ever before. While most of these projects are smaller, such as repainting or updating light fixtures, some of them are much larger in scope, such as remodeling a kitchen or adding an extra bedroom.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic inspired many people to renovate their homes, it wasn’t the only motivation. In fact, the NAR’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report found that 83% of surveyed homeowners planned to renovate their homes prior to the pandemic. Respondents cited satisfaction with their homes (54%) as the primary reason for these renovations, while other reasons included needing repairs (34%) and wanting to make their home more comfortable (32%).
While inflation and the possibility of a recession will certainly play a role in how much people spend on their home improvement projects in the future, most owners plan to continue improving their homes. Those who are selling their home in the near future are likely to prioritize repairs and upgrades that will appeal to the majority of buyers, such as kitchen and bathroom renovations.
