Month: July 2023

Home improvement or renovation is the repairing, improving, or modernizing of the interior or exterior of a residential property. It includes any additions or structural changes to the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms, but does not include building a new structure on the property.

According to our research, homeowners are planning an array of projects this year. Whether it’s creating a home office or installing hardwood floors, the options are endless. But before you dive into your 2023 home improvements, it’s important to understand which upgrades will add the most value and are worth the investment.

The most common improvements involve addressing energy efficiency issues like caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows (44%), and updating HVAC systems (35%). Adding a smart thermostat (21%), renovating the kitchen (17%), and upgrading the bathroom (16%) are also high on the list of to-dos for homeowners.

While many of these projects will increase the comfort and utility of a home, some may not have a positive impact on its resale value. For example, a fully-equipped home recording studio might not appeal to potential buyers who have children or are looking for an affordable starter home. However, projects that improve a home’s curb appeal are a great way to boost its resale value.

For example, refinishing wood floors is one of the top 10 projects for homeowners in 2022 and has an average cost-to-value ratio of 87%. In fact, a full 100% of homeowners reported more joy in their home after refinishing their floors. Other projects that scored high on the happiness scale included painting a room, installing a new front door, and renovating a closet.

With a little bit of sweat equity and a DIY attitude, it is possible to add significant value to your home without going into debt or running out of money. These do-it-yourself (DIY) upgrades will make your house more comfortable and functional, while beautifying your space. Some ideas include spray painting light switch and outlet covers, re-grouting tile, or cleaning out the garage to organize clutter and tools.

A few DIY improvements can help add value to your home without a major renovation. Here’s how to make it happen.

Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or prepare it for the market, adding some upgrades can make a big difference in the value of your property. And while many homeowners turn to professional contractors for the big-ticket projects, there are plenty of do-it-yourself (DIY) options that can yield high returns on your investment.

It’s important to decide what your needs are before you start working on any home improvement projects. This includes determining what features are essential to you and your family, such as a spacious kitchen or outdoor space. Once you’ve nailed down your basic needs, it’s time to consider your wants—the things that would be nice to have but wouldn’t necessarily break the bank.

Landscaping can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost a property’s value. According to a Virginia Tech study, properties with well-kept lawns and lush gardens can command up to 12% more than those without. In addition to improving a home’s appearance, a lush garden can also reduce your utility bills by reducing the amount of energy it takes to keep a property cool and green.

Changing out dated cabinet handles or hardware is a cheap and easy way to upgrade a room’s look. For example, a matte black wrought iron finish can be transformed into something modern and trendy by replacing it with sleek nickel pulls. Another low-cost way to add flair is to create a feature wall, which can be done with board and batten, printed wallpaper or painted accents.

Replacing carpet with hardwood floors is a great way to give a room a fresh new look while adding value. But if a full-scale flooring remodel isn’t in the cards, refinishing existing carpet or installing a stair runner are cheaper alternatives.

Adding more storage is another popular DIY project that can increase the value of your property. Creating additional storage space can be as simple as adding floating shelves to a bedroom wall or as complex as converting an unused attic into an extra bedroom.

The home improvement industry is a huge business with many contractors and companies providing services to homeowners. It is important for consumers to hire a reputable company that has the proper licensing and insurance. Consumers should also perform due diligence by checking references and performing background checks on contractors before hiring them for a job.

When homeowners undertake a home improvement project, they are usually hoping the work will add value to their home. However, not all home improvements are created equal and some actually decrease the value of a home. Generally, adding value to a home requires remodeling or renovating a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom. Often times, people will choose to spruce up their outdoor space by installing a deck or fence.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans became DIY fanatics, spending a record amount on paint and other supplies. Now that the outbreak is over, home improvement spending has been on the decline. This has led to major home improvement retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot lowering their profit and sales forecast for the year.

In a time when the economy is weak, many homeowners are opting to stay put and make upgrades to their existing homes rather than moving up or down the property ladder. According to Anderson, the categories that are surging the most have to do with work that is done outside of the house. For example, the number of people building decks is up 275% and the number that are constructing fences is up 144%.

A lot of the research and analysis on the home improvement industry is conducted by brands and trade associations. Some of this data may be available for free, while some may require a subscription or membership. One of the best sources for this type of information is Brandpoint, which offers free articles on a variety of home improvement topics.

The articles are written by expert contributors and are intended to be used as reference materials by professional contractors, home owners or by anyone who wants to learn more about home improvement projects. Articles include detailed step-by-step instructions, photos and videos. The articles are also optimized for mobile and tablet viewing. In addition to the free articles, Brandpoint also provides a variety of other tools for researching the home improvement industry including Topic Finder, InterLink and a mobile-optimized interface.

Home improvement projects can add value to your property, if done correctly, and they can also be a great way to learn new skills. While a whole house renovation may be too ambitious for a DIY beginner, there are plenty of smaller upgrades you can do on your own without spending a fortune or ransacking your savings. Painting, re-grouting tile, and power washing are just a few of the affordable projects you can undertake to give your home a fresh look.

It’s no secret that painting is a quick and easy way to update a room. It’s also a great beginner project because it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or extensive experience. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with different color palettes and get a feel for how paint flows, dries, and hides imperfections. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider tackling an accent wall or other feature wall to make a statement in your living space.

Another simple but impactful home improvement project is swapping out your hardware and fixtures. Adding modern knobs and handles to your cabinets can transform the look of the room. You can even go a step further by installing a sleek, low-profile faucet in your kitchen or bathroom.

Replacing light bulbs and receptacles can help modernize your home and reduce your electricity bill, too. It’s important to note, however, that these types of projects should be handled by a professional electrician if you have no experience.

A fresh coat of paint can brighten any room. Whether you opt for a bold accent wall or simply spruce up your baseboards, this is an easy and inexpensive DIY project that will instantly brighten your home.

If your trim is starting to look a little scuffed and dusty, a little bit of caulking can do the trick. The best part is that this is an easy DIY project that you can complete in one day!

Adding extra storage space to your home is a great way to increase functionality while also adding value. From building a bookcase to expanding your closet, there are lots of ways to improve your storage capabilities. It’s also a good idea to declutter your space, so implementing some organizational tools is an excellent start.

Having the right set of tools and a little bit of knowledge can go a long way when it comes to home improvements. If you’re a beginner, try starting with some of these projects to build up your confidence before tackling bigger home remodeling jobs. Just be sure to take your time and use safe practices when working with power tools. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! If you need some expert advice, enter your zip below to be matched with top-rated pros in your area.