Home improvement, the work of improving a house, is an ongoing responsibility for homeowners. It may involve fixing or replacing fixtures, adding new rooms or landscaping, or simply sprucing up the exterior. Some projects have high return-on-investment values, while others are more expensive but don’t add much value. It’s important for homeowners to think carefully about what renovations will be most beneficial when it comes time to sell the home.
The home improvement industry became more widespread in the United States after World War II, when returning veterans embraced it as a way to build family togetherness in the security of a suburban home. Government mortgage insurance programs for veterans helped to encourage home buying, and large builders marketed houses that could easily be upgraded with a few additions. Television home improvement shows such as Bob Vila’s This Old House and the popularity of DIY culture added to interest in do-it-yourself improvements.
More than three-fourths of the surveyed homeowners reported that they had done at least one home improvement project this year. Of those, the majority were tackling kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but smaller numbers were hiring a professional to spruce up electrical wiring or cabinets. The pandemic has affected how homeowners approach these projects, with nearly half of all respondents saying that they would be more cautious than usual in letting contractors into their homes due to safety concerns about the coronavirus.
Whether you are planning to put your house on the market in the near future or just want to live in it more comfortably, there are plenty of low cost, high value home improvement projects that can boost your curb appeal and make your house feel like your own. From painting and re-grouting tile to power washing the outside of your home, these easy do-it-yourself projects can be an effective way to get a bigger price tag at closing time.