Which Home Improvement Projects Add Value and Which Are Best Left to the Professionals?
Home improvement is a common way for homeowners to add value and comfort to their homes. It is also a great way to get a return on investment. Some projects are more effective than others, however. Some improvements don’t hold up at all when it comes to resale value, and some may even detract from the home’s overall quality. Learn which projects will provide the most value and which are best left to professionals.
The American Housing Survey (AHS) asks owners to report on the cost of home improvement and repair projects they have undertaken during the past two years. While the AHS does not break down these projects by scale, scope or quality, it is a useful measure of what homeowner’s are spending on home improvement.
Consumers should always seek the services of a licensed and insured contractor before starting any home improvement work. The contract should clearly contain a description of the work to be performed and the materials to be used. The contract should also list the price for the work and specify when the work will be substantially completed. A contract must also contain the name, address and MHIC license number of the contractor and the business.
Some of the most popular home improvement projects during the pandemic are related to landscaping and yard work. Deck construction has jumped almost threefold and the number of homeowners hiring landscapers and building fences has increased 144%, according to Anderson. Consumers should be cautious when choosing these contractors and should verify their license and insurance as well as perform a background check to ensure they are qualified.