Home improvement is an important part of owning a home and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you are looking to add a new deck or a touch of paint, there are many projects that will increase the value of your home. There are also a number of financing options available for those who wish to use a loan to fund their project. The best option for you will depend on your needs and financial situation.
Some improvements can’t be put off, such as fixing a leaking roof or a broken water heater. Others are more cosmetic and will help you get the most out of your home when it comes time to sell. Whatever the reason, you should make sure that any work performed on your home is done by a licensed contractor. This will ensure that the work is done properly and that you are not paying for any unnecessary services.
One area where homeowners are spending a lot of money is on outdoor upgrades. The categories that are surging the most are deck construction, which is up 275%, and fence installation, which is up 144%. The surge may be a result of rock-bottom interest rates and the desire to improve the look of a property.
The success of popular cable television shows such as Trading Spaces has blurred the distinction between what has been a male-dominated sphere—carpentry and other types of DIY work—and the more feminine realm of decorating and design. Goldstein, Carolyn M. Hobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America, New York: Columbia University Press, 1999.