Home improvement is a term that refers to any activity that involves renovating and improving a property. This can range from interior and exterior home upgrades to garden work and garage maintenance. Some projects involve adding additional functionality, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, and making the property safer and more secure. No matter what the goal, home improvement projects can boost your property’s value.
One example of a home improvement is updating the furniture. New furniture will make a room look more attractive. While replacing the old furniture in a room may not qualify as home improvement, it does improve the look of the living space. Some people choose to prioritize this task over a full home renovation. Others choose to focus on painting and furniture.
Home improvement projects are a growing industry. More than $400 billion is spent every year on home improvements, and that number is expected to grow to $510 billion by 2024. This includes DIY projects, professional remodels, and niche services that cater to specific issues and trends. A recent survey revealed that more than half of Americans aged 19 to 55 plan to tackle a home improvement project. Of these, 57% plan to do it themselves, while 39% plan to hire a professional.
Before hiring a contractor, it is important to make a detailed list of all the work that needs to be done. This will help you negotiate with the contractor and lock in a firm price. It also helps weed out unscrupulous contractors. You should also ask for references from former customers and check their licenses and insurance before deciding on a contractor. Then, you should make a payment schedule, which may include a down payment and incremental payments until the work is done.