Regardless of the type of home you live in, home improvement projects can add value and improve its appearance. They don’t have to be expensive or require the services of contractors. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of projects that fit all budgets and skill levels. Here are some simple ways you can improve your home yourself and add value to it for the current owners and future buyers. All of these projects can be done in just a weekend or less.
Home improvement is a popular American pastime
The home improvement industry is growing like crazy. In 2015, it hit $214 billion, surpassing commercial construction, clothing stores and even legal services. These investments translate into tangible returns for homeowners, and many big box retailers are making it easier than ever to do it yourself. Here are some reasons why. Listed below are some of the most common home improvement projects. A DIY project can be as easy as repainting a room, or as complex as gutting an entire home.
It is more affordable than buying a property
The cost of buying a property is one of the biggest expenses for a typical homebuyer, but that doesn’t mean that home improvement isn’t important either. Nearly a quarter of sellers sell their home for more than the listed price. The same goes for home repair costs. If you do a little bit of work on your home yourself, you can save serious money over time. After all, many people sell their home for more than they listed it for.
It can be done by a DIYer
You can save money by DIYing certain parts of your home, such as painting. DIYers tend to skimp on the preparation. Without the proper tools and preparation, they can end up damaging the walls or putting debris on your neighbor’s property. Furthermore, they may need to spend more money on materials or labor to fix mistakes they make along the way. If you are a first-timer, it is best to focus on a couple of smaller projects before hiring a contractor.
It requires a contractor
If you’re planning to hire a contractor for home improvement work, you need to make sure he or she is licensed. Contractors have to be licensed in order to perform construction work in the state in which they live. The license should be in the name of the contractor, or one of the officers. Some counties will allow contractors to work under a corporate license; this type of arrangement must be approved by the licensing authority.