Home improvement is a broad category of projects that enhance or upgrade a home’s interior or exterior. It can include a variety of tasks, such as painting, re-grouting tile and power washing the outside of a house. More ambitious improvements could include a kitchen renovation or adding a deck. Homeowners may undertake these projects for a number of reasons; to increase living space, make the home more energy efficient or simply to improve the overall look of the property.
Some home improvement projects will boost a property’s value, while others will not. It is important for homeowners to keep in mind that the value of a property can be impacted by external factors, including the neighborhood and the price of nearby homes. For example, adding a hot tub or fountain in the backyard will not add much to your home’s value if neighbors have relatively modest yards.
Generally, renovations that will increase a home’s value are kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions of bedrooms or bathrooms, and improvements that add outdoor living space, such as a deck or fence. However, it is important to remember that buyer preferences and market conditions will vary from one area to another, so it’s best to consult with a local real estate agent before undertaking any major home improvement project.
According to an online home remodeling marketplace, more homeowners plan to renovate this year than move into a new house. This is partly because they are being deterred from trading up by historically high mortgage rates. Many of the top improvements planned by homeowners this year are focused on the bathroom and kitchen, while a smaller percentage is looking to hire a professional to spruce up electrical wiring or cabinets.
Many homeowners are opting to stay put rather than moving out of their current home due to high real estate prices and a tight inventory of available houses for sale. This is making home improvements more popular, and the average homeowner is planning to spend more money on these projects than last year. In 2021, 24.5 million homeowners completed at least one home improvement project.
Before beginning any DIY home improvement project, it’s important to gauge your interest level and skillset. Unless you’re an experienced carpenter with a well-stocked workshop, many projects will require specialized tools and knowledge that most people don’t have. Even for those with the best intentions, a botched project can cost a lot of time and money, and may actually reduce a home’s value in the long run.
It’s also important to consider whether a home improvement will truly improve your quality of life before taking on a large-scale project. For example, installing a new bathroom or kitchen can provide more living space, but you might find that your family simply doesn’t need it. Finally, a major home improvement can be expensive and can result in debt, which can decrease your overall quality of life. Before spending the money, it’s a good idea to weigh all of the pros and cons with a financial planner.