Home improvement is the repair, maintenance or restoration of residential real property. This includes interior and exterior work like painting, repaving the driveway or installing a fence. It also includes alterations to existing rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Home improvements can increase the value of your house and improve your quality of life.
Homeowners often undertake remodeling projects with the hope that they will add value to their homes, making it easier to sell them in the future. But not all renovations are created equal, and some could actually hurt resale value.
Many homeowners choose to hire a professional contractor for major projects such as roofing, siding, paving or plumbing repairs, but there are plenty of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects that can add significant value. For example, painting, re-grouting tile and power washing the outside of your home are easy, inexpensive and quick projects that can dramatically improve the look of your house. Other DIY projects include putting in crown molding, which can be purchased at most home improvement stores and is relatively easy to install. It’s important to consider the cost and return on investment of each project before undertaking it, however. And it’s always wise to speak with a real estate agent before investing too much money in a home improvement project. You should also make sure your home insurance is up to date before starting any home improvement projects, as they may require an update to your policy.