Home improvement can involve a variety of projects. These projects are intended to improve the interior and exterior of an existing home. Regardless of the purpose, there is a project for every budget and lifestyle. Read on for some tips to help you select the right contractor. Whether you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, update your bathrooms, or create more space in your basement, there’s a home improvement project that’s perfect for you.
Home improvement projects
While the economy is still recovering, spending on home improvements has been on the rise. In the U.S., spending on home improvements has increased by 50 percent since 2010, when it reached a low during the last recession. This growth has been driven largely by homeowners aged 55 and older, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Part of the increase was attributed to the lack of new construction and the aging housing stock. Homeowners may also wish to add value to their properties by improving their landscaping.
Listed below are some home improvements that can boost the value of your property. Remember that not all of these improvements will raise the value of your property, so only focus on projects that will make the property more marketable and increase the value of your home. And when planning a home improvement project, work with your realtor to determine which improvements will increase your property’s market value. And remember, home improvement projects don’t have to break the bank.
Cost
Almost half of home owners struggle to cover the costs of home improvements. A recent survey revealed that nearly half of home owners have trouble determining what improvements will cost and 46 percent have trouble finding the time to complete them. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost of new home improvements is $10,601, with eight-and-a-half percent of that total spent on furnishings and appliances. Homeowners who want to maximize the ROI of home improvements should track their expenses and work with a real estate agent to plan the budget.
The cost of home improvement projects varies significantly between different areas. Men typically go over budget on home improvement projects more than women, while women are more likely to stay within budget. The average cost of a project depends on the reason for the improvements, with remodeling for the sole purpose of selling the home the highest average cost. In addition, homeowners who finance the project with a credit card or stimulus check typically spend more money. The average cost of home improvement projects varies by type, material, and location.
Financing options
The various types of home improvement financing available are designed to suit different needs and requirements. Before choosing the best type of home improvement loan for you, it is vital to understand your personal financial situation. You should select a home improvement loan that will suit your financial situation and will be affordable in the long run. Consider your credit history and equity in the home when considering home improvement financing. Below are some tips to choose the best type of home improvement loan.
First of all, consider the cost of your renovation project. A home improvement loan is generally more affordable than credit card debt. It can be used for minimal renovations, like a paint job or a new appliance. Generally, credit cards offer introductory 0% APR periods, which means that you won’t pay interest for the first year. You can also use cashback rewards to fund your home improvement. However, if you’re planning to make significant improvements to your home, consider getting a home improvement loan.
Reputation of contractors
When hiring a contractor for your home improvement project, you need to know their reputation. You don’t want to hire someone whose reputation is tarnished by negative reviews. In addition to the professional reputation of a contractor, you also need to know how they treat their clients. If you’re unhappy with their work, write it down. Include the timeframe for your desired solutions. Explain the reasons for your dissatisfaction. Afterward, ask your contractor to sign it as a proof of your agreement. While you’re at it, refrain from posting any reviews online to protect your reputation.
To find out whether a home improvement contractor has a solid reputation, ask for references. Also ask whether they’re insured. If you don’t have references, search online for their name and see if anyone has complained or filed a lawsuit against them. Look for comments that are either very negative or very positive and check to see if the contractor has followed up on the reviews. If there are negative reviews, move on to the next contractor.