Home improvement is the act of improving or repairing the interior and exterior of a home. Some house renovations add living space, while others enhance the property’s appearance. Home improvements can be done for a number of reasons, including increasing the home’s value for resale, or for personal enjoyment. Some homeowners choose to hire professional contractors for home improvement projects, while others prefer to do the work themselves. Home improvement projects can include anything from refinishing wood floors to adding a new bathroom or kitchen. A wide range of home improvement supplies is available at hardware stores and specialty shops. Many books and television shows provide home improvement ideas and advice.
A home improvement project can have a high return on investment, but it is important to choose wisely. A homeowner must consider how long he or she plans to live in the home and whether the renovations will increase the home’s value for sale at some point. It is also a good idea to consult recent reports on design trends and recommendations for successful home improvement projects.
If a homeowner has the time and energy to perform a home improvement project, he or she may save money by doing it himself rather than hiring a contractor. Some home improvement projects require specialized skills that the average homeowner may not have, such as running electrical wire or installing drywall, but there are plenty of books and videos available to help with these and other projects.
Other projects that improve a home’s functionality and aesthetics, but do not add to its resale value, include replacing the entry door or garage door, painting or wallpapering, adding landscaping or installing carpet or laminate flooring. Remodeling Magazine publishes an annual cost-versus-value report that lists the best and worst home improvement projects based on their ROI.
A homeowner can choose to install a solar water heater, which is environmentally friendly and usually has a decent ROI of about 78 percent. However, a homeowner should carefully consider the location and size of his or her home before installing a solar system, because installation costs are not always offset by energy savings.
Renovating a home’s basement or attic to make them into additional living space is another common and often effective home improvement project. The addition of a basement can be useful for storage, while finishing an attic can add a bedroom and bath to the home. An attic can also be used as a playroom for a growing family.
If a homeowner decides to have an expert perform a home improvement project, he should always obtain multiple quotes for the work. A thorough list of what the homeowner wants to be done helps contractors offer firm prices and prevents unscrupulous workers from adding on work that will not be completed at the end of the job. A homeowner should also be aware of any necessary permits and inspections required for a particular project. If a contractor is not licensed, he or she could be subject to fines and penalties.