Home improvement is the term used to describe a variety of renovations, repairs and maintenance that can be done to increase the value of your property. It can be as simple as painting your house or putting in a new deck or as complex as remodeling an entire home.
The most common projects homeowners choose to undertake involve the inside and outside of their homes. This can include but is not limited to painting, flooring, roofing, landscaping, resurfacing driveways and sidewalks or installing new appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
When choosing a contractor for your project, be sure to do your research to find reputable contractors with years of experience. Check their credentials including license, insurance and business references as well as their reputation.
Do not rely on price alone to make your final choice; you can always negotiate. Be sure to ask for a written contract that includes the terms of the project, payment schedule and as much detail about materials, brands and finishes as possible.
Contractors vary in quality of work and in the amount of time it takes them to complete a project. The best ones are those who have a good reputation, have a permanent address and offer warranties on their work.
According to the American Housing Survey, total homeowner spending on home repair and improvement projects doubled in just a decade from 2013 through 2021. A major part of that rise was due to a growing population of older homeowners who are financially able to make renovations, as well as higher housing prices that have increased available equity for mortgages.