Home improvement is any work done to a home that adds value or function, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or adding a deck. It also includes maintenance and repairs, such as painting or resurfacing your driveway.
Adding an extra bedroom or bath is one way to increase your home’s value, but it can be expensive. More affordable projects that add value include painting and resurfacing your driveway or installing a new door.
Some improvements, like replacing a leaky roof or fixing a faulty foundation, are so critical to your safety and the integrity of your house that you have to do them regardless of their cost. Other projects may be able to be put off until you’re ready to sell, such as a fresh coat of paint or putting in energy-efficient appliances.
For many homeowners, however, the primary reason they take on home improvement projects is to make their homes more enjoyable. This can be a tricky balance to strike, as renovations that are overly personal and don’t align with the taste of future buyers may actually detract from your home’s value rather than increase it.
As a result, savvy homeowners are increasingly turning to DIY (do-it-yourself) projects to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project themselves. This trend is reflected in the popularity of cable television shows like “Trading Spaces” and “This Old House.” It’s also led to an increase in sales at home-center chains, where shoppers are buying their own tools and materials instead of hiring professionals to do the work for them.