Home improvement, also called home renovation or remodeling, is the process of improving a house by changing its interior and exterior. This is done to increase its value and functionality, or both. It can also be performed for other reasons, such as making it more aesthetically pleasing or upgrading its energy efficiency.
Adding value to a home is a major motivating factor for many homeowners, particularly in uneasy economic times. With interest rates low and real estate prices high, fewer homeowners are buying new homes and more are renovating their current ones to make them more appealing.
With this in mind, it’s important to choose the right projects for your home. Projects that add living space are typically a good bet, as are kitchen and bathroom updates. Other top renovations include replacing siding, adding a deck, and installing a fence.
For projects that don’t add living space, but do boost home value, painting and re-grouting tile are great examples. In addition, adding a bold accent wall can instantly add interest to any room and is an easy DIY project.
When hiring contractors for a home improvement project, find out if they are licensed in New York state and insured. Also, ask for a written contract with a timeline, a payment schedule and as many specifics as possible about the work to be performed (e.g., types or brands of materials).
For a quick and affordable DIY project that will still make your home feel like brand new, try adding unique door, cabinet, and closet knobs. They’re inexpensive, easy to install and can transform a room in seconds.
