Home improvement is the remodeling, alteration, renovation, repair, restoration, conversion or modernization of the interior and exterior of a home or building. It includes construction of porches, decks, carports and roofs. It also includes the installation of insulation and improvements to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
A lot of homeowners do home improvement projects for the sake of boosting their property value when they sell it later on, or simply because they want to make the house more comfortable and functional for them. While that’s not bad, it is important to understand the return on investment (ROI) for each of these upgrades so you can determine whether the project you are considering will give you the best bang for your buck.
According to the Gale OneFile home improvement category, some of the most popular renovations include refreshing shower areas, replacing vanities and toilets, laying new tile, adding fixtures and lighting, installing new countertops and paint and creating storage solutions like closet organizers and shelving. Other popular projects that can be cost-effective include adding a second bathroom, converting the basement into an additional bedroom or living space, and extending the back patio or installing a pool.
But, while rock-bottom interest rates have made home improvement more appealing than ever before, it’s important to get the non-negotiable details hammered out first to avoid over-budgeting or going into debt. Unless you are an experienced DIY-er with a well-stocked workshop, it’s usually best to leave the complex jobs to professionals.
