Home improvement is the remodeling, altering, painting, repairing, renovating, or restoring of residential and noncommercial property, such as installing new kitchens, bathrooms, floors, or roofs; adding doors or windows; improving heating and air conditioning systems; landscaping yards or gardens; and any other activity that improves the overall condition of the home. Home improvement also includes the installation of any type of security equipment in a home, including alarm systems, and any electrical or plumbing work in a home.
Home improvements can be expensive. Often, they are also time consuming and disruptive to the homeowners’ daily routines. However, a well-planned home renovation project can be an excellent way to increase the livability of your home and enhance its aesthetic appeal. But before you start pulling out your tool belt, take a moment to consider the reasons for doing any home improvements and which projects will add the most value to your home.
The most common reasons people undertake home improvements are:
To update the look and feel of the house. Updating a kitchen or bathroom is the most popular home improvement project, and for good reason. It can transform a dated room into something more contemporary and modern, which can be an excellent selling point for your home.
It’s important to keep in mind that any improvements you make should be consistent with the rest of your home. Too much of a departure from your home’s overall style can leave it looking out of place and may even detract from its curb appeal.
The other main reason to upgrade your home is to make it more functional. For example, you might want to add a second bathroom or another bedroom to accommodate a growing family. Or, you might decide that you need more storage space for your belongings or a bigger yard for outdoor activities.
Many homeowners do renovations with an eye toward increasing their home’s resale value. This is particularly true for those who are considering selling their house in the future. In these cases, the best projects to complete are those that will most likely appeal to potential buyers. Adding a master suite, updating the kitchen or bathroom, and installing a patio are good choices.
However, if you’re planning on staying in your home for the long term, your own comfort and enjoyment should be the primary motivations for any upgrades. Renovating solely to maximize your resale value can lead to overspending and running up debt. Instead, choose projects that you will enjoy doing yourself and that won’t cost a fortune to execute. Even minor tasks like re-grouting tile, refreshing paint, and power washing the exterior of your home can make an impact on your property’s value.