Home improvement and repair is an important part of keeping your property in good shape. It is also a great way to make your house more comfortable and attractive.
It is recommended that you set aside 1% to 2% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs.
Boosts Your Home’s Value
Home improvement projects often offer a high return on investment when it comes time to sell your home. These projects can also increase the enjoyment, functionality and overall experience of living in your home. However, not all home improvements are created equal. Some have a negative impact on your resale value or are less desirable to potential buyers.
Home repair and home improvement are two distinct concepts. Home repair includes a wide range of tasks that maintain the performance, appeal and value of your property. This could include repairing a leaky faucet, painting the exterior of your house, or replacing worn flooring. Home improvement, on the other hand, involves changes that improve your home’s design, function and aesthetic look. This could include remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or adding a new deck.
When undertaking home improvement projects, always hire reputable contractors. Shop around and get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Also, make sure to establish a contract for the work with clear payment schedules, work deadlines and specific project details.
Increases Your Home’s Comfort
Home improvement is the process of improving or repairing the interior and exterior of your house. It also includes the construction, erection, replacement, or improvement of driveways, walkways, patios, walls not necessary for the structural stability of the building, fences, porches, garages, and fallout shelters.
Some home improvements are luxury additions that may add value but may not appeal to all buyers, for example, a backyard pool. However, other upgrades like installing energy-efficient appliances will increase your home’s comfort and save you money in the long run.
It is important to understand the difference between home maintenance and home improvement. Home repair involves fixing or restoring something that is broken or damaged in your home, such as repairing a leaky roof or replacing an outdated window. Home improvement, on the other hand, is more extensive and involves changes that improve a home’s interior and exterior appearance, design, or function. HomeZada makes it easy to schedule and plan your home improvements with their free online home management tool.
Saves You Money
Home repairs and improvements cost money, but they can save you money in the long run. Many of these projects, like replacing worn-out items, can reduce energy costs. Others can protect your property from damage by hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters.
Some financial experts suggest that you should set aside 1-2% of your home’s value each year for maintenance needs. That may sound like a lot, but it’s better than going into debt to pay for unexpected repairs down the road.
Some projects can save you money by avoiding the need to hire a professional, such as resurfacing or repainting a kitchen or bathroom. However, make sure you choose DIY projects that are within your skill set. Otherwise, you could end up paying someone else to fix your mistakes or injuring yourself and incurring medical bills. And always get a written contract before the contractor starts work. It should include a payment schedule, as well as the specifics of all the work that will be done.
Increases Your Home’s Appearance
A home’s appearance is important for attracting potential buyers. Simple things such as replacing worn exterior doors, adding a new mulched flowerbed or repainting the house are relatively inexpensive ways to make your home look more attractive. Some homeowners may also want to consider hiring an experienced landscaping professional to design and install a backyard paradise.
While many people use the terms home repair and home improvement interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Home repairs are the activities that maintain a property’s performance, appearance and functionality while home improvement consists of changes designed to enhance a home’s design, functionality, aesthetic appearance and feel.
It is always wise to hire an experienced contractor for any type of work on your home, regardless if it is a home repair or a complete home renovation. Before starting any work or making any payments, be sure you have a written contract that includes a detailed description of the work to be performed, a payment schedule and prices for all materials.