Author: Sarah Martinez

The home improvement industry has exploded in recent years as people remodel their homes to increase the value of their property, accommodate family members or simply improve their living space. These projects are not only a way to enhance the look and feel of one’s house, but they also provide an opportunity for homeowners to express their personality and style. Many home improvement builders near me offer a variety of services, including painting, roofing, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and kitchen and bath renovations. Homeowners should always choose a contractor that is licensed and insured, and make sure to get multiple estimates before hiring anyone. It is also recommended to ask friends and neighbors about their experiences with home improvement contractors.

When choosing a contractor to do your home improvements, it’s important to consider your budget and how long you plan to live in your home. In addition, you should research the company’s reputation and customer service. A good place to start is by asking for references and checking out the company’s website. In addition, it’s a good idea to do some homework to determine the average cost of home improvements in your area.

Another important consideration is whether the project will increase your home’s resale value. For example, converting a basement into an entertainment room may sound appealing, but it is unlikely to pay for itself when it comes time to sell your house. On the other hand, replacing a leaky roof or adding insulation could significantly increase your home’s value.

Local trends are also a factor when choosing home improvement contractors. Homeowners should look at recently sold properties in their neighborhood and analyze what features increased the value of the home. This information can help them determine what improvements will have the best return on investment.

Before hiring a home improvement contractor, consumers should ask the builder to provide a written contract. The contract should include a description of the work to be done, an estimate of the total cost of the project and the terms of payment. It should also include a timeline for completion, a detailed list of the materials to be used and a warranty on labor and material.

Consumers should be wary of companies that require a large down payment before beginning work. They should contact their state or county consumer protection office to see if there are any laws that protect consumers against this practice. Consumers should also be aware of companies that act as aggregators, or middlemen, between contractors and consumers. They should always check a company’s license, insurance and business references before hiring it to do home improvement work.

Before selecting a home improvement contractor, consumers should get several estimates and choose the company that offers the best price and quality of work. They should be willing to negotiate with the contractor if they are not satisfied with the final product. Consumers should never pay the entire fee upfront, and should withhold payment until the job is completed and inspected.

When you’re a homeowner and you’re ready to make some renovations, there are plenty of factors to consider — like the project cost, its return on investment (ROI) and whether you need to hire pros. And, if you’re in the market for a loan to help cover your home improvement costs, you should know about the lowest home improvement.

Some projects don’t add much value to your home. That’s why it’s important to have a budget and stick with it when undertaking any home improvement. And, as a general rule of thumb, it’s always good to include an extra 10% for any unforeseen costs that may occur during the course of the project.

Adding a manufactured stone veneer to the exterior of your home topped the list for the best home improvement, with homeowners recouping nearly 96% of their investment on this project. This is an inexpensive way to boost curb appeal and add value to your home, according to Home Advisor.

Other low-cost indoor improvements that hold their value include refinishing hardwood floors, painting, adding wallpaper and updating light fixtures. But, a major remodeling project like adding a bathroom or bedroom doesn’t always pay off when it comes to recouping the initial investment.

Remodeling an older home can be more costly than a newer construction because of the need to update plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. In addition, these projects often reveal hidden problems that need to be addressed.

If you’re looking for a loan to fund your next home improvement project, there are many lenders to choose from. Prosper, for example, offers some of the lowest rates on personal loans and allows co-borrowers, which could be helpful if your credit score isn’t in the best shape. It also offers a range of maximum loan amounts, which means you can get funds quickly to start your home renovations.

Doing a little home improvement is one of the best things you can do to increase your home’s value for resale purposes or simply to make it feel more like your own personal space. While it may seem overwhelming to tackle a big renovation project on your own, the good news is that there are plenty of simple projects you can do to get started.

Many of these do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be completed in an hour or less, which is great for people who don’t have a lot of time but still want to improve their space. From changing bedspreads to hanging a painting, these small projects can have a major impact without breaking the bank.

One of the most popular DIY home improvement projects involves updating your kitchen countertops. Rather than replace the entire counter, which can be costly and time-consuming, simply swapping out the old countertop for a new laminate one is a cost-effective solution that’s easy to do yourself.

Another fast way to update a room is by adding or changing light fixtures. Swap out frosted glass pendants in the kitchen for something more modern; hang a chandelier above the dining table instead of a ceiling fan; or even add some natural light by installing skylights in your bathroom.

A fresh coat of paint can transform your home’s look, and this is a project that anyone can do. Opt for a neutral color in the living room or bedrooms, but paint a bold color on an accent wall if you’re feeling adventurous.

You can also paint your kitchen cabinets for a completely different look, or repaint your exterior to give your home a facelift. Other quick home improvement projects include updating your doorknobs and hardware, installing a backsplash in the kitchen, or providing touch-ups for anywhere where existing paint is chipped or peeling.

Adding storage spaces to your home is another simple but effective improvement you can do yourself. Whether you install custom shelving in the basement, create a secret storage room behind your kitchen island, or turn an extra closet into a home office, these projects can help your home feel more organized and spacious.

If you’re looking for a larger remodeling project, consider turning your basement into a living space that includes a bedroom, seating area, and master closet. This common home feature is highly sought after by buyers and can have a large impact on your home’s value.

Home improvement, or remodeling, involves making additions to an existing house. Those additions can be made for many reasons, including personal preferences and comfort, updating the look of the house, adding functionality or convenience, and even improving energy efficiency. Regardless of the reason for the project, it is important to understand what a homeowner is getting into before diving in and starting work.

In the past few years, homeowners have developed a renewed interest in home renovation projects. With the flu pandemic and fewer people out and about, it seems that many homeowners were forced to spend time at home, and as a result, they took advantage of this opportunity to improve their homes. In this article, we will discuss how the industry has evolved, some of the most popular projects, and what the future looks like for these types of improvements.

One of the most common home improvement projects is redecorating. This can be as simple as replacing worn furniture or as complex as revamping an entire room. Changing the aesthetic of a home can be an excellent way to add value, and it is often one of the first things that potential buyers notice.

Another popular home improvement project is upgrading the kitchen. This can include everything from replacing old appliances to refinishing cabinets and installing a new sink. Many of these projects are also relatively affordable, and they can add a significant amount of value to the home.

Other popular home improvement projects include refinishing hardwood floors, installing new windows and doors, and redoing the bathrooms. Overhauling surfaces underfoot and overhead is an effective way to boost the look of a home, and it is no wonder that 5.2 million Americans chose to replace carpeting, flooring, paneling, or ceiling tiles in 2017. Those upgrades can make a big difference in a home’s appearance, and they can also provide a good return on investment.

Some of the more expensive home improvement projects can increase a home’s value, but these upgrades do not have to be carried out by contractors. DIY homeowners can easily complete a number of these projects, and it is often possible to find creative storage solutions for tools and materials. For instance, repurposing spice containers or mason jars can be a great way to store smaller pieces of hardware and make them easier to access.

When it comes to large-scale home improvement projects, the best option is usually to hire a professional contractor. There are a number of benefits to this approach, and it is important to choose the right contractor for the job. Performing background checks such as checking licenses, insurance coverage, and customer references is an excellent way to ensure that the contractor is qualified for the task at hand. Additionally, a licensed professional is likely to be less likely to overcharge or take advantage of an unsuspecting homeowner. Performing these simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your home investment and ensuring that the project is completed correctly.

Home improvement projects can be a big project that requires the help of an expert. Whether you are looking to replace an old kitchen or install a new roof, the right contractor will ensure that your project is completed on time and on budget. Finding a local contractor can be difficult, but there are many resources available to make the process easier. You can ask friends and family members for recommendations or search online for contractors that have been reviewed by previous customers.

In addition to getting references from previous clients, you should also get quotes from several different contractors before making a decision. Obtaining multiple estimates will give you an idea of the average cost for your project and allow you to find a contractor with competitive rates. When requesting an estimate, be sure to include a detailed description of the work that is needed, as well as the materials that will be used and the completion date.

Licensed home improvement contractors are required to follow certain laws and regulations regarding their business. They must be honest with customers about pricing and workmanship and must not take advantage of vulnerable consumers. Some states require that contractors be licensed in order to perform work, while others have licensing requirements at the city or county level. Check with your state or local consumer agency for specific information on licensing requirements in your area.

A reliable home improvement contractor will have a good reputation within the industry and with suppliers. They should also keep their promises and communicate with the homeowner throughout the project. Lastly, they should be able to handle unexpected expenses without putting the project at risk.

It is a good idea to look for a licensed contractor before starting your home improvement project. A licensed home improvement contractor is bonded and insured, which protects you in the event of a work-related injury or property damage. A license also demonstrates that the contractor has passed a background check and has a clean record.

If you hire a contractor who does not live in your community, you may want to consider staying at a hotel during the renovation. This will avoid putting you and your family under stress and ensure that the job is completed in a timely manner. It is also a good idea to board any pets while the construction takes place to prevent them from being displaced and stressed.

If you are unable to resolve your issues with a contractor, you can file a complaint with your local consumer agency or the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to document all communications with the contractor, including emails and text messages. You can also visit contractor review sites, such as Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack, to read reviews of other homeowners who have worked with the contractors you are considering. These sites often only display reviews from verified customers, which can help you to determine which contractors are worth your money.

A home renovation contract is a document used by a homeowner and contractor to outline the project scope, details, pricing, and timelines of a remodeling project. It is essential to have a written contract as it can help to prevent misunderstandings, disagreements, and disputes that may arise during the course of a renovation project.

The first item to include in a renovation contract is a clear and concise job description that clearly lays out the scope of work for the project. This should include a full list of all materials and products to be used, along with their brand names/numbers, colors, and dimensions. It should also clearly state the contractor’s responsibilities and how the client can contact them during the project.

Providing an estimated project completion date is another important item to include in your renovation contract. This will allow both parties to understand when the project is expected to be completed, barring any weather delays or major plan changes. This section of the document can also specify how payments will be made, if any payment plans are in place, and at what frequency they will be due.

It is a good idea to include a liability clause in your home improvement contract, as this will limit the damages that a construction company can be held responsible for in the event of unforeseen problems or accidents on the job site. It is also a good idea to provide a dispute resolution section that allows both parties to choose a neutral arbitrator in the event that a satisfactory solution cannot be reached between them.

Another important detail to include in your renovation contract is a section outlining the terms of any warranties or guarantees that the contractor offers. This can be as simple as stating that they offer a standard one-year warranty on all work performed, or it could be more detailed such as including a specific breakdown of what is covered by the warranty, or that the contractor will pay for any materials that are found to be defective or damaged during the course of the project.

If your renovation project is taking place in a residential building, condo, or gated community, there may be rules governing how and when contractors can access the property. It is a good idea to include in your renovation contract a section outlining the client’s responsibilities regarding access for workers, parking restrictions, noise level limitations, etc. It is also a good idea to have this section include any information about required work permits or inspections. Finally, you should also include a section outlining the contractor’s insurance information, licensing details, and work-site safety requirements.

When planning a home remodel, it is vital to take the time to hire a general contractor who will manage the entire project. Choosing the right person will ensure that everything gets done according to plan, and the finished product looks great. Using word of mouth is a good way to find a reputable contractor, or you can do an Internet search for contractors in your area. Some work independently, while others are part of larger construction companies.

It’s important to choose a contractor with a good reputation and extensive experience in the type of work you need. Ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations; then interview several candidates before making a decision. Check their references and licenses, and make sure they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Ask them to submit a portfolio of past projects; look for before and after pictures of rooms in the project, as well as blueprints or sketches of the planned work.

A general contractor will be able to negotiate better prices on materials and labor than you could on your own. They also know how to meet deadlines. They’ll be able to help you stay within your budget and make sure the job is up to code. Ultimately, they’ll save you money by getting the job done correctly the first time around.

Be wary of any contractor who is eager to start work immediately. A reputable contractor will want to draw up a contract that includes all details of the job and the payment schedule, including a provision for a lien release when the work is completed. The contract should also spell out “allowances,” or the amount of flexibility the contractor has in determining prices for products and supplies. This type of clause can bust a budget quickly, especially if the contractor wants to change your mind once work begins.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to alter their plans once work begins, but changing the plan can cost you more than a few dollars in extra materials and labor. It may require the electrician to be called back in, or the painter, and that can eat up time and money. Changing the plan can also mean that your contractor has to order new materials or delay delivery, which can cost you even more money.

Contractors are typically juggling multiple jobs, and they must pay their subcontractors on a regular basis. A good contractor will have a slush fund to cover any unforeseen costs, and will be able to keep the work moving on schedule.

Being your own general contractor can save you a lot of money, but only if you are a true DIYer and you’re confident that you can handle the plumbing and electrical work yourself. Otherwise, leave it to the professionals who have been doing this for years and have a network of professional contacts that can speed up processes that stymie ordinary homeowners. It’s a big job, and it needs to be done right the first time to avoid costly mistakes.

For eight seasons from 1991 to 1999, millions of people tuned in every weeknight to watch Home Improvement. And for many of them, it was the show that introduced them to a whole new cast of characters and a new way to view their homes. Throughout the series, viewers got to know the Taylor family—aggressive oldest son Brad, wily middle child Randy and innocent baby Mark—and watched as they fought over petty issues and engaged in hostile acts of sibling rivalry.

The series also featured Tim’s Binford-sponsored home improvement show, Tool Time, a kind of show-within-a-show that featured his co-host and friend Al Borland (Richard Karn) and his “Tool Time girl”—first Pamela Anderson and then Debbie Dunning. During Tool Time, Tim would try out new gadgets and demonstrate his DIY prowess, which often led to him breaking things around the house. Al would remind Tim of safety regulations and practices, though Tim often ignored his advice. And then there were the recurring jokes about his beard, his love of bingo and his fanatical admiration for fellow home improvement television host Bob Vila.

While the bulk of Home Improvement was filmed on the soundstage at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, the show sometimes went on location to stage massive set pieces for Tool Time and other scenes. These on-location shoots required a live studio audience, which made taping one of the hottest tickets in town.

It was also on-location where the producers found the actress they wanted to play Jill Taylor, the patient wife of Tim and mother to the Taylor boys. Frances Fisher, a talented dramatic actress who was best known for her six-year stint as detective Deborah Saxon on ABC’s long-running soap opera The Edge of Night, initially landed the role. But, according to her costar Richard Karn, the writers changed their minds about Fisher after just three days of rehearsals. “She’s a great actress, but she didn’t really connect with Tim,” Karn said. “She came off as a victim of his character.”

So, the producers cast Patricia Richardson as Jill. And although she admitted that she was nervous about the role at first, she says that she had no choice but to accept it after meeting with the show’s creators and hearing their vision for the character. “They told me they needed someone who was going to challenge Tim and be as much of a woman as he was a man,” she said. “And that’s what I think they got.”

Home improvements are one of the best ways to add value to your home. However, the cost of many DIY projects can be prohibitive. If you’re new to the DIY scene, it’s important to choose projects that are appropriate for your skill level and budget. Otherwise, you may end up with a huge project that takes longer to complete than anticipated and costs more money than planned.

From a quick paint job to a repurposed dresser, there are plenty of easy home improvement ideas that won’t break the bank. The following DIY projects are perfect for beginners and will help you build up your skills so that you can tackle bigger tasks in the future.

1. Painting

Creating a fresh coat of paint is perhaps the most effective way to update your living space. Whether it’s a pop of color in a bedroom or a simple touch-up to kitchen cabinets, a fresh coat of paint can transform a room and provide instant gratification. Painting is a great beginner DIY project because it’s inexpensive and doesn’t require any power tools or high-end equipment.

2. Hang a Pot Rack

Adding a spot to hang pots and pans is a functional way to make the most of a kitchen without sacrificing storage space. A pot rack is a good DIY project for beginners because it doesn’t involve any complicated construction, and hanging one requires just basic carpentry skills. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re drilling into joists rather than drywall, and using a stud finder can help with this.

3. Create a Backyard Fire Pit

During the warm weather, having a backyard firepit is an excellent way to enjoy your home. The best part is that this DIY home improvement project is a great way to build up your masonry skills, and can help you learn how to properly construct patios and other outdoor hardscaping. Moreover, this project also allows you to use your own creativity to design the fire pit that suits your taste and style.

4. Install a Window Screen

If you have young children or pets, chances are that sooner or later your home’s window screens will need to be replaced. Luckily, replacing a window screen is an easy DIY home improvement that doesn’t require any advanced skills or expensive equipment. Moreover, this simple project can help you familiarize yourself with the mechanics of your windows and will come in handy when it’s time to perform any routine maintenance.

5. Repurpose an Old Dresser

Repurposing a piece of furniture is a fun and creative DIY project that can transform any room. The most common repurposed pieces of furniture include dressers, nightstands, and buffets. By giving these pieces a facelift with new hardware and a fresh coat of paint, you can breathe new life into an older piece of furniture.

The best part about this project is that it’s relatively inexpensive, and you can even repurpose old wood from a broken piece of furniture to save money.

The home improvement industry is a multibillion-dollar market that includes the sale of building materials, appliances, decor, and services provided by contractors and tradespeople. It also includes home renovations and do-it-yourself projects. The industry has reached excellent growth results in recent years and is expected to continue growing in 2023.

The definition of home improvement varies by state, but it generally refers to the construction, repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, modernization, or addition to any residential land or building with four (4) or more dwelling units. It excludes, however, the construction, erection, or replacement of driveways, swimming pools, patios, garages, basements, fallout shelters, and improvements to outdoor structures such as fences. In some states, the term also includes awnings, fences, or communication systems.

Homeowners have a lot to consider when it comes to home improvement, including costs and return on investment. Many homeowners take on DIY projects, such as fixing a leaky faucet or painting the living room, but some projects are too big for them to handle on their own and require the assistance of a professional.

When choosing a contractor to work on your project, it is important to consider their licenses and business references. It is also recommended to check whether a company has insurance and is an accredited member of a professional organization. You should also ask for a copy of the contract and ensure that it contains the terms and conditions, including warranties, for both the material and workmanship.

In the last two years, more than 77 million homeowners took on home improvement projects, according to the latest Improving America’s Housing report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This represents a significant increase over the previous two-year period when only 22 million homeowners reported having taken on home improvement projects.

One of the reasons for the increased interest in home renovations during the pandemic is that people spent more time at home and sought ways to enhance their entertainment and working spaces. The satisfaction that comes with completing a project is also a motivating factor for many homeowners, as noted by NAR’s 2020 Remodeling Impact Report.

Despite the increased interest in home renovations during the COVID-19 pandemic, not all projects are worth the investment. While some will boost a home’s resale value, others will actually cost more than they’ll return in sales price. Learn which renovations will pay off and which ones to avoid, so you can make the right decision for your home. Also, remember that even small changes can have an effect on resale price. So, it’s best to plan and budget carefully. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from family and friends before tackling a home project. After all, your home is an investment and a major part of your life. It’s worth taking the time to do it right.