Home improvement is a broad term that covers any type of work done to increase the value of a property. It includes everything from painting a house to repairing a garage door.
The home improvement industry is a big part of the economy and continues to grow. While a lot of the work is done by professionals, homeowners can take on projects on their own as well.
There are some things to consider before deciding what kind of improvements to make, such as the cost, whether the project will add value, and the impact on the resale price of the home. You should also consider how the home improvement project will be tax-deductible.
Adding value is the goal of most homeowners who do renovations, and they are often motivated to find ways to improve their homes in order to attract potential buyers.
Some renovations, however, can actually detract from the resale value of the house, so it is important to think about your goals before embarking on any home improvement project.
Before starting any home improvement project, check with your local building department to see what permits may be required. Permits ensure that all work is done according to city and state regulations.
You might need a permit for any major changes that you want to make to your home, such as removing walls, tearing out interior floors and putting in new ones, or ripping up and replacing flooring. For smaller projects, like refinishing wood flooring or rearranging cabinets, a permit is usually not necessary.
Aside from permits, you should also think about how the home improvement will affect your neighborhood. This is because a potential buyer will indirectly compare your home to other houses in the area.
Generally, if you have the same neighborhood as other homes, you are not going to get a great return on investment for the renovations that you do.
Some home improvements, such as kitchen remodeling or bathroom updates, may not have much of an effect on resale value at all.
Other home improvements, such as refinishing hardwood floors or installing granite countertops, have a positive impact on the resale value of your home and can be worthwhile additions to the house.
If you are looking to sell your house, it is a good idea to focus on upgrades that appeal to the widest possible audience. These include quality appliances and flooring, as well as upgrades that are mid-range in price.
You should also avoid renovations that are overly customized to your taste and preferences. These could deter prospective homebuyers who don’t share your taste or needs.
Some projects, such as converting the garage into living space, might add square footage to your house but will not add any value. Some other projects, such as installing a home recording studio, are not very appealing to most potential buyers and could even turn them off from buying your house.