Home improvement, also known as house renovation or residential construction, encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at making repairs, upgrading systems and components, redecorating, and expanding the overall utility of a living space. The home improvement industry involves the sale of building materials, appliances and decor, as well as the hiring of contractors and tradespeople to perform projects. It is considered to be a significant portion of the housing sector, and has achieved excellent growth results in recent years.
Home improvements are typically conducted to add value to the property, though some projects may have a more immediate return on investment, such as a new security system or paint job. Regardless of the reason for a project, however, homeowners usually enjoy their improved homes and often feel motivated to undertake further upgrades. The National Association of Realtors reports that after completing a remodeling project, 86% of homeowners felt satisfied with their upgraded living spaces.
As a result, the home improvement industry is experiencing strong demand. According to a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, total spending on home improvement will reach $580 billion this year. This reflects an increase of 23% from the previous year’s record-setting total. This boost is expected to be led by older adults, as many of them live in existing housing that requires upgrades.
The popularity of DIY shows like Home Improvement, which stars Tim Allen in the role of a resourceful handyman, has helped to fuel this increase in interest. Homeowners are now more capable than ever before in taking on a range of DIY projects, and with the right tools and supplies, almost anything can be done on a budget.
Some of these DIY projects have a very high ROI, which means that they will more than make up for the initial investment when it comes time to sell the home. However, most projects have an ROI that is less than 100%. While these projects still offer a great way to improve the comfort of your home, you should be aware that they won’t increase the resale value of the home by much.
A number of factors can influence how much you spend on a home improvement project, including whether or not you plan to sell your home in the future, as well as the state of the economy. While a majority of homeowners have plans to undertake home improvements in the next two years, only 20% are looking to boost their home’s resale value. A more commonly cited motivation is to simply make the home more comfortable and livable. This is an important point to keep in mind, as homeowners planning a project can easily overspend and end up with an unfinished or unsatisfactory outcome. To avoid this, it’s best to work with a trusted professional. This will ensure that the job is completed correctly and on schedule, without going over your pre-determined budget.