Home improvement, also called home renovation or home remodeling, involves projects to improve the interior or exterior of your home. It can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your budget and your desired results. You may want to add a new roof, paint the walls, or put in new windows. You can even improve the landscaping around your property.
It is important to hire a licensed and reputable home improvement contractor. In New York, homeowners must have a written contract stipulating the scope of work, payment schedule, and other details. In addition, architects and engineers should provide detailed plans and specifications for each project. The contract should also require a down payment and incremental payments until the work is substantially completed.
In the past seven years, home improvement spending has increased by more than 50% in the U.S., and the growth has been led by aging homeowners, who are putting in more money to improve their homes. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, the growth in home improvement spending can be attributed in part to the shortage of new housing and the aging of the housing stock. In addition to spending on new homes, Americans are also investing in the exterior of their homes, such as building fences or decks.
Home improvement is a broad category, encompassing remodeling, repair, additions, and landscaping. There are also contractors, electricians, landscapers, and plumbers who specialize in home maintenance and repairs. In addition to remodeling, home improvement businesses may offer specialty services related to specific needs, trends, and issues. For example, disaster restoration and cleaning are two popular niches in the home improvement industry. These services can include everything from installing fire protection devices to helping homeowners get more comfortable at home. In addition to these, there are also companies devoted to offering eco-friendly solutions. These companies aim to increase the energy efficiency of homes and make use of green building incentives.