Home improvement is any project that improves a house’s functionality or comfort. This can include renovations or remodel projects of rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements, or additions such as patios and decks. It can also involve work on the outside of the house such as landscaping or a fence. Other types of home improvement include energy efficiency projects such as new windows or insulation and repairs like painting and drywall replacement.
Many homeowners embark on home improvement projects with the intention of increasing a home’s resale value. However, not all projects will add value. Some will even decrease resale value, and a homeowner may be able to save money by choosing wisely.
One way to select wisely is by focusing on improvements that are likely to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. This can be a challenge because buyer preferences are highly local and can vary dramatically from market to market. Updated kitchens and bathrooms are always a safe bet, as are improvements that add square footage, such as finished basements and decks.
It’s also important to plan carefully and make sure that any contractors you hire are licensed and insured. Ask for references and check them, and be sure to get a signed contract before any work is performed. This will help protect you if there are any problems with the work or materials and avoids any disputes down the road. If the contractor is a member of MHIC you can verify their license number by calling MHIC’s consumer hotline or checking their website.