Home Improvement Basics

Home improvement is an area of work that involves repairing, remodeling or altering the structure and features of a house. The practice of home improvement is a large and important part of the economy. People perform home improvements for a variety of reasons. Some of the most popular include improving the look of the home, adding functionality and increasing safety. Other common reasons include preparing the home for sale and making it more energy efficient.

When performing a home improvement, it is important to get the contract in writing. It should contain a description of the work to be performed, the materials and their costs. It should also contain the dates when the work will start and when it will be substantially completed. It should also contain any warranties for the materials and workmanship.

A homeowner may perform a home improvement project alone or hire professionals to help with the work. Typically, contractors are licensed and insured to do work in a home. However, there is a large ‘grey market’ of unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors who may not have insurance or proper credentials to do certain types of work. Homeowners should always research contractors thoroughly and consider hiring a contractor with a good reputation.

It is also important to choose projects that will increase the value of the home. This can be done by choosing high-quality materials that will appeal to a broad range of potential buyers. It is also a good idea to consider how the renovation will fit in with the style and value of homes in the neighborhood.