Home improvement involves any remodeling or alteration that makes a dwelling place more comfortable or attractive. These may be simple projects like installing new windows and doorways, or larger renovations that involve adding a new bathroom or kitchen, building a deck, or even constructing a fence.
The booming economy has driven up spending on home improvements across the country. That’s especially true for older homeowners, who are boosting their property values by making minor upgrades and repairs.
A recent study by Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies says that home renovation is up more than 50 percent in the past eight years, fueled by the rising number of homeowners over 55 and rock-bottom interest rates. But while there are a lot of reasons to make your home more livable and improve its value, it’s important to remember that many home improvement projects can cost you money in the long run.
For instance, if you’re not careful, you could spend thousands of dollars on a project that won’t add much to your home’s overall value. That can be especially true if you’re renovating with the intention of selling in the near future.
If you are planning a home improvement project, be sure to research your options carefully and hire a qualified contractor that will work in your area. This will ensure that the job is done right and meets or exceeds local and state codes.
Before deciding to hire a contractor, you should also have a written contract that includes the details of the project, such as the dates for completion and payments. This will ensure that you won’t have any problems later on.
It is a good idea to include as many specifics as possible in your home improvement contract, including the types of materials you want used and any preferences you have for colors or brands. This will help the contractor avoid any unnecessary delays or mistakes and can save you money in the long run.
In addition, you should have a detailed list of all your desired features and be sure to include any other information that will help the contractor plan the project better. This will keep both you and the contractor happy during the process of completing your home improvement project.
Be sure to use a professional contractor and always ask to see their license. The license will confirm that the contractor has passed a home improvement law and general business competency exam. This will also guarantee that the contractor has been screened for serious criminal convictions.
You should also be sure to have a home inspection completed before the work begins, and that the contractor has insurance for your protection during the project. This is especially important if you are having any plumbing or electrical work done on your home.
There are many types of home improvement companies, each with its own unique set of values and services. Some are more customer-focused than others. These differences can make a difference in how customers view and choose a home improvement company. For example, a customer-focused company may offer a higher quality product than another. This can be a big deal to some people.
