Home improvement is the process of renovating or making additions to one’s home. This can be done to increase a home’s market value, improve its functionality, or simply make it more pleasant to live in. Home improvements can include anything from painting and re-grouting tile to installing new appliances and cabinets. In order to avoid putting too much money into a project that might not increase a home’s value, homeowners should always check with real estate professionals before beginning any renovations.

Homeowners spent $522 billion on home improvement projects in 2021, according to the American Housing Survey. That’s an increase of $72 billion compared to the previous two years. Some of the most popular projects included updating a kitchen, adding a bathroom, and making roof repairs.

Many homeowners may think that the more expensive a renovation, the better the return on investment will be. However, this is not always the case. In fact, some high-end upgrades might actually decrease a home’s value. The reason for this is that they might be too personalized or out of style with the neighborhood, and that could turn off potential buyers.

There are some home improvement projects that can be extremely cost effective and still add significant value to the home. For example, a well-landscaped yard can greatly enhance a home’s curb appeal. Other low-cost upgrades that can have a big impact are things like painting, re-grouting tile, and power washing the house exterior.

The best home improvements have a strong ROI and will provide an excellent return on investment for the homeowner. This is why it is so important for any prospective homeowner to take the time to research what the most popular and effective projects are. Once a project has been chosen, it is then necessary to find the best contractor for the job.

A contractor with a good reputation will be able to complete the project on time and within budget. Choosing the right contractor will ensure that your home improvement project is completed to your satisfaction and will also help you avoid any issues during the renovation process.

Some home improvement projects are tax deductible. This includes capital improvements, upgrades related to energy efficiency, and certain medical expenses. In order to take advantage of these tax benefits, it is important that all the proper paperwork is filled out and submitted to the IRS when filing for a home improvement project.

While a lot of people are spending more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic, they are also spending more on their homes. A recent survey by Axiom found that nearly half of all respondents plan on undertaking at least one home improvement project this year. While whole-house renovations can be expensive, there are plenty of DIY projects that can significantly boost a home’s value without going into debt or emptying a savings account. Things like repainting, re-grouting tile, cleaning out the attic, and fixing leaky roofs are just a few of the low-cost ways to add value to a home.