Home improvement is the process of renovating or making additions to a home. This can be done to increase the value of a home, make it more functional and comfortable or simply update its style. Home improvements can be small or large and may involve any part of a house or yard, such as the interiors, exteriors, driveway, roof or garden.
While many homeowners are eager to add value to their homes, they must also consider how much they can realistically pay for projects in their area. The best way to find out which home improvement projects are worth the investment is to talk to a realtor in your area. They can provide information about local trends, which renovations have the highest resale value and which might appeal to a wider range of buyers.
It is important to find a trusted and experienced contractor for your home improvement project. A professional will be licensed, insured and have references from past clients. They will provide a detailed contract that includes the cost of the work, the time frame for the performance of the work and the approximate dates when the work will begin and be substantially completed. A deposit should not be more than 1/3 of the contract price and the contract should specify a payment schedule, including any incremental payments that will be made during the course of the project. The contract should also include specifics about the work, such as the type and brand of materials to be used.