Home improvement is the process of making renovations to a home, such as adding or changing rooms. This can include painting, flooring, lighting and more. It can also include improvements to outdoor structures, such as patios or garages. Home improvement can be a fun and rewarding project, but it is important to consider the return on investment before beginning any work.
More homeowners are putting off major home improvement projects due to rising costs, according to the Gale OneFile: Home Improvement database. Those interested in doing home improvements are often turning to online sources for ideas and advice. Homeowners who do these projects are often motivated by a desire to make their living space more comfortable and functional, as well as improve their home’s aesthetic appeal.
However, some projects may not offer a good return on investment and could actually reduce the value of your home. In general, it is recommended to focus on upgrades that will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. The best way to determine what will add value is to discuss the project with your Realtor and review comparable homes in your neighborhood.
The first step is to decide what improvements are necessary or desired, then create a budget and timeline for the work to be completed. Next, research contractors in your area and request references. Once you have found a contractor, prepare a contract and agree on a payment schedule. Be sure to read contracts carefully and ask questions about the work to be performed and materials to be used.
It’s also important to take safety into consideration when working on a home improvement project. This is especially true for more involved projects, such as roof replacement or kitchen remodels. These types of projects can be very dangerous and should not be attempted by a homeowner who does not have the proper training and experience.
Many of the most popular projects to improve a home are geared toward kitchens and bathrooms. This is likely because these are areas that are most utilized by homebuyers, and can have the biggest impact on resale values. Other popular projects include updating the home’s flooring, adding new lighting and installing energy-efficient appliances.
Despite the popularity of these projects, only 42% of homeowners who have taken on remodeling projects in the past two years say they were able to easily pay for the majority of them without tapping into savings, selling items or going into debt. That’s down from the 52% who said that in 2020. The popularity of the show, which ran from 1992 to 1998, led to a reunion special in 2003 that featured Tim Allen, Richard Karn and Casey Sander (a terminally ill Earl Hindman did voice-overs for his never-seen persona of Wilson; he died shortly after). The special included a mix of favorite clips, insider tips, personal reflections and a question-and-answer session with the audience.