Home improvement is an important part of owning a home. It increases your comfort and utility while you live there, and can add to the resale value if done well. Home improvements can include anything from a new bathroom to installing a deck. You can do many of these projects yourself, although it is best to leave the more complicated tasks, such as electrical work, plumbing, and cutting through walls, to professionals.
Homeowners spent $624 billion on home repair and improvement projects during the two-year period covered by the 2021 American Housing Survey. This is a dramatic increase from the $300 billion spent during the same period a decade ago.
The most popular home improvement projects are painting and updating light fixtures. Many homeowners also renovate their kitchens and bathrooms, install new flooring, and upgrade their heating and cooling systems. In addition, some homeowners are adding garages and outdoor living spaces to their homes.
A recent survey found that homeowners are more satisfied with their homes after completing renovations than they were before the projects were completed. This satisfaction boost is even more pronounced for those who financed their home improvement projects.
It is important to carefully choose which home improvements to make, and which ones not to make. Often the highest quality upgrades, such as marble floors, do not pay off when it comes time to sell your home. Also, avoid improving your home above the average for your neighborhood.