What Is Home Improvement?

Home improvement is a general term for upgrading or remodeling an existing house, including both interior and exterior work. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as improving comfort and convenience, making the home more energy-efficient, or changing its appearance. The home improvements can be done by a homeowner or by a professional contractor. In some cases, a combination of both may be necessary. The home improvement industry is large and diverse, with projects ranging from replacing doors or windows to redoing entire kitchens. Some popular options include refinishing hardwood floors, installing new kitchen appliances, and renovating bathrooms.

Home improvements are often aimed at increasing the overall value of a property. However, a homeowner should keep in mind that not all projects will add value. For example, adding an above-ground swimming pool might not be a wise investment for homeowners who plan to sell their homes in the future. On the other hand, a high-quality kitchen remodel might increase a home’s resale value significantly.

According to a survey conducted by NerdWallet, 3 in 5 homeowners have completed at least one home improvement project over the past two years. Homeowners have reported spending $6,438, on average, during that time frame. The most expensive projects were kitchen renovations, which cost an average of $33,190. The cheapest was security system installation, which came in at an average of $754.

Many of these projects involve the use of power tools and electrical wiring. It is therefore important to hire a professional for these tasks, especially if the homeowner is not familiar with them. This is to prevent accidents and to ensure that the work is carried out correctly. Homeowners should also make sure that any contractors they hire have a valid license and insurance. In addition, they should check for business references before hiring anyone to work on their home.

The popularity of home improvement shows and DIY websites has increased the number of people who attempt to undertake their own improvements. This can be a costly mistake. Inexperienced homeowners can damage their home’s structure and even put themselves and others at risk of injury.

In some cases, homeowners may need to take out a loan in order to finance home improvement projects. This can be done through a bank or credit union. It is important to shop around for the best rates and terms. A good place to start is with a home equity line of credit (HELOC). HELOCs are secured by the homeowner’s home, so they tend to have lower interest rates than other types of loans.

The home improvement television series Home Improvement starred Tim Allen and Richard Karn as remodeling contractors who worked on houses with their wives, played by Debbe Dunning and Casey Sander. The show ran for eight seasons from 1991 to 2003 and earned numerous awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award and Kids’ Choice Awards. In 2005, the cast reunited for a reunion special called Home Improvement: The Revival.