Home improvement is a large and varied industry that encompasses the construction, repair, alteration or remodeling of any structure within a home. It also includes work on outdoor spaces like gardens and yard. Home improvement can be carried out for a variety of reasons; improving comfort, adding curb appeal or value to the house, addressing safety issues or upgrading systems. The market for home improvement is largely consumer driven and it is estimated that over 90% of homeowners carry out some form of home improvement each year.
It’s one thing to watch a fixer-upper on TV, but it’s another to actually do the work yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY home improvements that will add real value to your property without requiring a big budget or running up debt.
From painting to re-grouting, these affordable upgrades will have your home looking great and giving you the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself.
A Few Homeowners Are Still Nervous About Bringing Contractors Into Their Homes
The pandemic has impacted the way many Americans think about their home and its upkeep, and for good reason. More than half of all homeowners who have done home repairs or improvements in the past two years say they’re more cautious about allowing contractors to enter their homes during this time of pandemic and coronavirus scares.
That’s why it’s important to communicate with your home improvement professionals about their coronavirus and pandemic safety concerns, as well as to make sure all of your family members are aware of the need to wear masks when they interact with professional contractors at the house. It’s also a good idea to make sure your kids are old enough to understand the importance of adhering to these safety rules, especially when it comes to working with tools and handling hazardous materials.
According to the American Housing Survey, most homeowners are paying for their home improvement projects with cash from savings and other sources like money borrowed from friends or relatives, credit cards, personal loans and lines of credit, and contractor-arranged financing. Some people are even turning to government grants to help finance some of their home improvement projects.
While some projects may not increase your home’s value, others can boost the overall resale price. Some of the most popular home renovations are sparkling bathroom overhauls, basement finishing and installing new appliances. But you should always consult a Realtor or a home renovation expert before beginning any project to be certain that it will meet your needs and add value to your home. Otherwise, you could end up spending a lot of money on a renovation that doesn’t deliver a good return on investment when you’re ready to sell your home. That would be a big waste of time and money.