Almost six out of ten homeowners plan to conduct some home improvement projects this year. But, most of them are planning to hire a contractor, according to a survey by Minneapolis marketing firm Axiom.
The Axiom survey asked consumers about their plans for home improvement projects in 2021. It found that most respondents were looking to work on the outdoor area. For instance, 25 percent of respondents are planning to build or repair a deck, while 23 percent are planning to work on their patios or backyards.
Axiom also found that DIYers, or those who do their own remodeling, plan to spend more time on their home improvement projects in 2021 than they did in 2018. Among the age group 19-55, 57 percent plan to do their own project.
In many counties, engaging in “home improvement” without a license is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. In addition, some contractors can face civil fines for doing so.
In New York City, a contractor must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. In some counties, a contractor can be forced to pay up to $5,000 in penalties for not having a license.
A contractor can also be forced to pay up to $250 in penalties for violating the Payment Protection Law. The Payment Protection Law requires that contractors have a written contract for their home improvement projects. It should specify the exact details of the project, and it should include a timeline for the completion of the project.