Home improvement is the remodeling, repairing, painting, renovating, restoring, moving, converting or modernizing of residential or noncommercial property. It also includes the installation of driveways, garages, water heaters and appliances; the addition of rooms or floors to a building; and fencing.
Many homeowners’ daydreams of renovation are quickly crushed by the reality of price tags that skew high for certain projects. To get the most bang for your buck, make a thorough list of what work you want done and be as specific as possible. This will enable you to negotiate with contractors, lock in firm prices and avoid surprises. It can also help you ferret out unscrupulous contractors who may try to charge for additional work that isn’t necessary or will not boost your resale value.
Some home improvements will make your house more valuable than others, but even the best investments have to be made wisely. For example, adding a bathroom that is more luxurious than the average for your neighborhood will not necessarily increase your home’s value. A more appropriate project would be to upgrade your home’s plumbing and electrical wiring, which will make the entire structure safer and more efficient.
Another project that will improve the overall look and feel of your home is fresh paint. A gallon of paint costs about $30, and a fresh coat will make your whole house look newer. Be sure to use neutral shades that will appeal to a broad range of buyers.