Home improvement is the activity of improving or repairing a house, building additions, or making changes to a residence. The purpose of home improvement is to increase comfort and improve the function of a home for its residents, as well as to enhance curb appeal and property values. Home improvement projects are often undertaken by homeowners themselves, although in some cases the work may be contracted out to professional contractors.
The home improvement industry has become a major sector of the economy, with American homeowner spending on such projects surpassing half a trillion dollars in recent years. Some of the most popular home improvement projects include kitchen and bathroom renovations, painting, landscaping, and replacing or repairing flooring.
Some home improvements are simply necessary, such as fixing a leaky roof or upgrading electrical systems. Others are made in order to improve the function of a home, such as adding an extra bedroom or updating the kitchen. A growing trend is to make homes more energy efficient by installing new windows and heating/cooling systems.
Some home improvements, however, do not add value to a residence. This may be because they are too personalized and go beyond the taste of the average buyer or because they are not in line with the overall look of the neighborhood. For this reason, it is important to make improvements that will provide a good return on investment when it comes time to sell the home.