Home improvement is a popular activity among homeowners for many reasons. It can enhance the overall look of your house, save you money on energy bills or even add value to your home. The satisfaction from seeing a project completed is a major motivator for many homeowners. However, you have to weigh the pros and cons of each type of home renovation. Some projects are more worthwhile than others and you should avoid those that don’t provide a good return on investment.
If you plan to sell your house in the future, a poorly executed remodel could detract from the sales price and potentially make your home difficult to sell. On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay in your house for years to come, a little research into what home improvements will yield the best ROI value can help you choose projects that will make the most of your budget and improve your enjoyment of your house.
Choosing the right contractor for your home improvement project is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. The contractor you choose will have a direct impact on the quality of work and the finished product. You will also want to be sure the contractor is licensed and insured in your area. You should get referrals from friends and neighbors as well as check references.
A home improvement contractor should be able to provide you with a written contract that includes the estimated date when the work will start and be substantially completed as well as a payment schedule. It should also contain a description of the work to be performed and a list of materials, including brands and colors if possible. On larger projects, the contract should also include architect or engineer plans that specify virtually every detail of the project.
According to the American Housing Survey, a large percentage of homeowners are paying for their home improvement projects with cash from savings. Other sources of funding for high-dollar projects include cash-out refinancing, home equity loans and contractor arranged financing. 6% of respondents indicated they are using “something else.” This likely reflects personal loans, borrowing from family and/or credit cards.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, many homeowners are continuing with their home improvement projects. However, some are hesitant to hire home repair or improvement professionals because of safety concerns. To keep costs down, homeowners are tackling some projects themselves or hiring more conservative contractors. For example, many are changing out light bulbs or fixing a dripping faucet rather than investing in a kitchen or bathroom remodel. If you are interested in remodeling your house, start by making a list of projects you would like to complete and develop a timeline to accomplish them. Then determine how you will fund the project and be sure to stay within your budget. Lastly, always choose a contractor that is licensed and insured in New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.