Home Improvement – A Popular Pastime For Many Homeowners
Home improvement is the act of repairing or improving the interior and exterior of a building. Some examples of home improvements are painting, installing carpeting or upgrading appliances. Homeowners undertake these projects to increase the value of their homes or simply to make them more livable.
A home improvement project can be large or small. Some homeowners hire professionals for the work while others do it themselves. Home improvement is a popular pastime for many people and can be a great way to spend time with family and friends. It can also be a good way to relieve stress.
Some home improvements can be very expensive, while others are less costly. However, some projects can have a high return on investment (ROI). It is important to choose a project that will be within your budget and one that will increase the value of your home.
It is important to make a list of the things that need to be done before starting any home improvement project. This will help you stay on track and complete the project in a timely manner. In addition, you can use the list to plan future home improvement projects.
In the two years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, American homeowners completed more than 135 million projects, spending an estimated $624 billion, according to our 2021 survey. And while most homeowners who took on these projects say they were able to pay for the majority without tapping into savings or going into debt, 20% had to do so to some extent.
The most common home improvement projects were kitchen renovations, requiring an average cost of $33,190. The least expensive home improvement projects were security system installations, with an average cost of $754.
Homeowners cite a variety of motivations for taking on home improvement projects. The most commonly cited reason was to make their home more comfortable, followed by making it easier to sell and increasing their satisfaction with the home.
As you consider home improvements, keep in mind that they should be consistent with the overall look of the house and neighborhood. For example, a custom-built pool might make your house stand out from the rest of the neighborhood, but it’s not likely to add much resale value.
If you’re thinking of hiring someone to do your home improvement project, be sure to carefully screen potential contractors. Check out their license and insurance, as well as business references and customer satisfaction ratings. You can also check with your local consumer protection agency for tips on finding reputable contractors.
The coronavirus crisis has changed how some homeowners feel about allowing contractors in their home. More than half of our respondents say they’d be more cautious about letting contractors in during the pandemic, and three-fourths would require them to wear masks. Regardless of the pandemic, it’s always best to communicate clearly with contractors and make it clear that you expect them to follow proper safety practices when working on your home.