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Home renovation projects are a big undertaking. They can affect your daily life, your family’s comfort and the resale value of your property. You may need to take time off work, stay away from the house and even live somewhere else while construction is under way. That’s why it’s important to find a reputable contractor you can trust. Fortunately, word of mouth is one of the best ways to find one. Talk to friends, neighbors and real estate agents who have hired contractors in the past to see who they recommend.

Then, make a list of candidates and set up meetings. Ask to see examples of their work and get in-person estimates. If you are planning structural changes, look for a contractor who consults with an architect before beginning the project. An architect can advise you of trends, upgrades, structural needs and more.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, your architect can create plans for you to share with contractors. This helps you avoid cost overruns. In addition, your architect can advise you on the best products and materials to use. This can save you money in the long run, since repurchasing or replacing items is expensive.

You also need to consider hidden costs when calculating your budget. For example, moving a toilet or sink can add up to substantial labor charges. Likewise, choosing quartz countertops rather than preformed laminate can add up to a significant price difference.

Another way to save on renovation costs is by choosing look-alike products that are less expensive but still provide the desired aesthetic. These can include flooring, cabinets and appliances. You can also save by keeping existing features, such as a tub or a kitchen sink. Moving these elements can add up to the same or higher price than installing a new tub or sink.

The type of project you are doing will also affect the overall price of your renovation. Some types of work require special licenses, certifications or insurance requirements, such as wiring and plumbing. Also, some materials are more expensive than others, including granite and marble.

Before you start your project, check with local code enforcement and building departments to make sure you’re up-to-date on any necessary permits. Additionally, if you live in a condo or co-op, your renovation may need to be approved by the board. This could involve a fee for an architect’s review and approval, as well as a security deposit or minimum construction insurance requirements.

The home improvement retailer The Home Depot offers renovation services at many of its nationwide locations. The company can help you establish what your renovation will entail, estimate the cost and then order and install all of the required equipment. This is a great option for homeowners who don’t want to deal with multiple contractors or are on a tight schedule.

Home improvement projects often add value to your home, whether you’re planning to sell it or not. Whole-home renovations are expensive, but some DIY upgrades won’t break the bank. With a little sweat equity and these affordable ideas, you can make your house look like new, even without bringing in contractors.

Painting is an easy upgrade that will transform any room. A fresh coat of paint helps hide dirt and scratches, and it makes a room feel more inviting. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a variety of buyers. Adding crown molding is another low-cost project that will give rooms a custom look. You can purchase pre-cut molding at most home improvement stores, or cut it to size yourself with a miter saw and a few hand tools.

A dirty fireplace will turn off potential buyers, so clean it up by scrubbing away soot and creosote. You can also remove smoky buildup from an existing brick fireplace by applying an oven cleaner that’s designed to eliminate smoke.

Sprucing up the entryway to your home will help it look more appealing and inviting, especially if you’re planning to sell. Planting flowers, shrubbery and trees around the front door will give it a welcoming, lush appearance. You can also give your curb appeal a boost by cleaning the exterior of your house, power washing the siding, and painting or staining the deck.

An organized laundry room is a great space-saver and makes the chore of doing household laundry less stressful. Installing a laundry chute is an affordable upgrade that’s easy to do. You can find inexpensive models with simple spring-loaded hardware at most home improvement centers.

Organizing your garage, basement or potting shed will help you work faster and more efficiently. Invest in storage solutions, such as pegboard and bins, to keep your supplies neatly organized. You can repurpose items, such as spice containers and mason jars, to store small accessories, such as screws and nails.

A well-maintained yard and landscape can be a major selling point when it comes time to sell your home. If you don’t have the budget for a full landscape design, re-stain your fence and retouch any areas of worn wood trim.

Homeowners have a heavy load when it comes to taking care of their property. In addition to basic maintenance, a good share of that responsibility entails improvement projects that boost resale value and help owners enjoy their living spaces more fully. But redos and remodels don’t come cheap, making it difficult to prioritize what upgrades will yield the highest return on investment — or at least make it easier to pay for them later.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a room, especially if you choose neutral hues that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. It’s also an easy way to refresh a dated exterior or interior.

Another inexpensive yet high-impact upgrade is adding a new front door and sprucing up the surrounding area. That includes a fresh welcome mat, an inviting porch light and a few strategically placed potted plants to frame the entryway.

Landscaping is among the best investments a homeowner can make. It adds significant curb appeal and can protect a house from expensive potential damage like fallen tree limbs or mold. Plus, it’s a smart way to save money on utilities, as it reduces water and energy usage, says consumer reports.

Other pricier but still cost-effective improvements to consider include installing a smart thermostat and replacing old, outdated home appliances. Both projects can cut energy costs and may make a home more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

While a Jacuzzi tub is certainly nice, it probably won’t make or break a sale. But if you have a plain tub or shower that needs an overhaul, look for companies that recoat ceramic, porcelain and fiberglass fixtures to make them look brand-new.

Whether you plan to sell soon or want your home to be your forever spot, these renovations will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Plus, they can be done in a few days or less.

Remember to compare costs, including labor and materials, before choosing a contractor. And if you need financing, consider an equity loan or line of credit. These options, which use your home as collateral, typically have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. They also may be tax-deductible. For more helpful tips on improving your home, see this article from our friends at Bankrate.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to upgrade their space and enhance the look of their homes. But many home improvements can be expensive. However, there are a number of cheap diy home improvement ideas that can be easily accomplished without having to break the bank. These projects will add value to your home and help you live a more comfortable life.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and quickest upgrades that you can make to your home. Paint can instantly change the color palette of a room and update your overall look. There are many inexpensive home painting supplies available at your local hardware store to suit your needs and budget.

Another affordable and easy DIY project is to install new cabinet hardware. This can be an excellent way to change the look of a kitchen or bathroom, and it is easy to do.

You can also give your walls a facelift by adding paneling to them. You can choose from a wide variety of paneling styles, including shiplap, beadboard, and wainscoting. You can create a rustic or farmhouse style in a kitchen, living room, or dining area with these types of wall treatments.

If you want to get more storage into your home, consider installing a breakfast bar. This is a great addition to any kitchen, and it can also be used as a home office or a place to entertain guests.

Other simple and cheap diy home improvements that you can do include updating your door handles. These are simple to install and can give your home a modern and sleek look. You can also use a simple spray paint to give your current handles a new color.

Another quick and easy diy project is to add a backsplash to your kitchen. This is a fast and cost-effective way to improve the look of your kitchen, and it can be done in just a few hours. There are a variety of different backsplash options, including ceramic tile and faux stone, so you can find the perfect option for your home.

You should also consider upgrading your appliances to more efficient models. This will save you money on your energy bill, and it will also help the environment. It is a good idea to replace older appliances with energy-efficient models when they reach the end of their lifespan.

You can also upgrade your outdoor space by replacing old or outdated landscaping features. This can be as simple as planting some new flowers or shrubs, and it can be as complex as building a deck or creating a fire pit. You can even paint your front door or replace the vinyl siding on your house. These are all easy and affordable diy projects that will enhance your home’s appearance and increase its curb appeal. You can even hire a professional to handle some of these tasks for you if you are not comfortable doing them yourself.

Home improvement retailers sell a mix of do-it-for-me (DIFM) and do-it-yourself (DIY) building supplies, tools and lawn equipment. They also offer professional services like installation and repairs. Home improvement chains include hardware stores, lumber yards and more. They operate both online and in-store locations. In the United States, the two biggest players are The Home Depot and Lowe’s. Together they hold a massive 81% of the market share, leaving smaller competitors in the dust.

The COVID-19 pandemic drove a surge in DIY activity in 2020 as consumers invested in their spaces to improve their lockdown experience. This boosted the demand for home appliances, lumber materials, tools and more. The industry saw continued growth even as restrictions began to ease in 2021.

Despite rising interest rates and inflation, and higher mortgage and home prices, homeowners are willing to invest in their homes and are looking to make improvements that meet new lifestyle demands. This is great news for home improvement retailers.

A key driver is that consumers have started to view their homes as a sanctuary, where they can spend quality time with family and friends and work remotely. They are prioritizing renovating their spaces to better suit their needs and ensuring that they can live comfortably at home. This will continue to drive growth in the home improvement sector for many years to come.

Large home improvement retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s have been able to pass on inflation, raw material price increases and supply chain challenges to their customers in order to maintain strong profit margins. They are able to do this by investing in their brands and offering customer-centric experiences.

Having a robust digital strategy is also important for home improvement retailers. As consumers increasingly move away from brick and mortar to shop online, they will seek out retailers that provide a seamless, consistent shopper journey between channels. This will ensure they can deliver a world-class customer experience that will keep them coming back for more.

Home improvement chains that are able to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction will be rewarded with loyalty and will see their sales grow, regardless of the industry landscape. Whether it’s through digital channels or in store, there are opportunities for small and mid-sized home improvement retailers to gain ground on the dominant duopoly. Smaller chains can leverage their local expertise and nimble operating structures to better serve their customers and build stronger relationships with them. This will help them to develop a loyal following and compete effectively with the larger home improvement retailers. By developing a strong digital presence, they can create a seamless shopper journey for their customers and provide them with a unique experience that isn’t available anywhere else. This will give them a competitive advantage in the highly commoditized industry. Read our article on Home improvement retailer to learn more about this trend.

Home improvements can be expensive, and many people struggle to afford them. However, there are options available for financing these costs, including government loans. Government-backed loans typically have lower interest rates than private mortgages and offer a range of flexible terms. These loans can also be a good option for borrowers with poor credit. This article examines some of the best options for home improvement loans and grants from federal, state and county sources.

The best loan for a home renovation depends on your needs and financial profile. Government loans fall into one of two categories: direct and guaranteed. A direct government loan is funded by the federal government, and your loan payments will go toward paying back that money. A guaranteed government loan is backed by the government but administered by a private lender like a bank or credit union. Often, this type of government loan has a less stringent application process than a private loan and may have a lower minimum credit score requirement.

A government loan for a home improvement can cover the cost of various work, such as making structural repairs and renovations to an existing house. It can also cover architectural and engineering fees, building permit fees, and inspection fees. However, these loans do not cover the costs of luxury items, such as outdoor fire pits or swimming pools. In addition, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a government-backed home improvement loan.

Whether you need to repair an older house or want to upgrade your kitchen, there are a variety of government-sponsored programs to help you fund the cost of these projects. These programs exist at the county, state and federal levels and are designed to provide funding for specific types of projects that help make homes more accessible, livable, safe and up to code.

Some home improvement grants do not require repayment at all, while others require you to pay a fixed amount each month with an interest rate that is usually lower than other types of loans. These grants are typically given to people who need help most, such as the elderly, those with disabilities and low-income homeowners in rural areas.

There are other home improvement grants that involve repayment, such as the FHA Title 1 Home Improvement Loan. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are offered through lenders approved by the government. These loans are a good option for borrowers with poor or no credit, as the government backs the mortgage so the lender takes less risk and can be more flexible in its lending requirements. Other government-backed home loans include VA home loans, farm service loans and disaster recovery loans. In general, these government-backed loans are only available to borrowers who can prove they are in need of assistance. This includes veterans who have suffered severe burns, loss of limbs, blindness and other injuries that significantly reduce mobility. They must also be able to show that the repairs will improve their quality of life.

Home improvements are important to help maintain and increase the value of your home. They also make your house more livable and safe to live in. However, these projects can be expensive. You may need to ask for help with your home improvement projects. There are many different ways to get help with your home improvement project, including getting a grant. You can also look into other options, such as refinancing or taking advantage of tax credits.

The most common way to get help with home improvements is to find a grant program that provides funds for certain types of improvements. These programs are often offered by the government and can help with a variety of improvements, from replacing windows to installing a new roof. However, it is important to remember that these programs are only available to those who qualify, and most come with strict requirements.

Another option for getting help with your home improvements is to find a non-profit organization that can provide you with funding or assistance. Some of these organizations are state-wide, while others work on a local level. In New York, the Community Action in Self Help, for example, offers a number of home improvement programs. These programs include home repair grants and a program to assist seniors with making modifications to their homes. These modifications can include the addition of ramps, grab bars and bathroom and kitchen modifications.

In addition to finding help with your home improvement projects, you can also learn how to do the work yourself. There are many home improvement classes that teach people how to do a variety of tasks, from painting the house to building shelving. These classes can be as short as a few hours or can stretch over several weekends. They also usually offer health and safety tips.

Another great way to get help with your home improvements is to join a home improvement club. These clubs are made up of members who want to save money on their home improvement projects by doing them themselves instead of hiring professionals. This can be a great way to meet other homeowners who are interested in doing the work themselves and to learn more about how to do it properly. It can also be a great way to build a network of friends and neighbors who can help each other with projects when needed. It can also be a great way for seniors to meet other people who can help them with projects in their own homes.

When your home feels a bit tired, it’s easy to turn to renovation ideas to bring new life and excitement. And it’s a great way to raise your home’s value, especially if the renovation is done well and suits your tastes.

However, a renovation can be expensive and messy, which is why it’s important to understand the risks before jumping in head first. It’s also important to work out what exactly you want from a renovation, rather than going for a full revamp, because the last thing you want is to spend loads of money on something that will just frustrate you later.

Many home renovations aren’t about changing what you like about your house, but about addressing problems and making improvements that will make your life easier. Fixing a leaky roof, upgrading the electrical system or cracking foundations are all examples of projects that are important to undertake and which will improve your home’s safety and quality of living.

Changing the layout of your home is another common type of renovation, and it’s a great way to transform the space into something that fits your needs. This could include adding an extra bathroom, finishing a basement or adding a home office. A renovation like this can be a huge investment, so it’s important to carefully consider your options and get advice from professionals before starting.

Home renovations can have a big impact on your lifestyle and on how much you enjoy living in your house. They can also increase your home’s resale value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. However, not every renovation will pay off, and you might not recoup your investment when it comes time to sell.

It’s a good idea to create a budget for your renovation project and stick to it. Be realistic about what you can achieve within your budget, and make sure that any materials or appliances that aren’t included in the overall cost are accounted for, including the price of disposal.

You should also think about what will happen when the work is finished, as you’ll need to find a place for all of the waste and old furniture. If you don’t have the space to store it, it might be a good idea to hire a skip bin or to rent one, and factor this into your costs.

Finally, it’s important to have a clear plan for what you want to achieve from your home renovation and not be afraid to ask for help. A professional can help you with the design process, as well as securing building permits and lining up a skilled construction team. They can also advise you about whether the renovations you have in mind are feasible within your budget, and give suggestions for alternatives that might offer better value for money. With the right planning and preparation, you can turn your drab or outdated house into your dream home. It’s worth the effort if it means you’ll live in a house that brings you and your family joy and happiness for years to come.

Each year, New York residents invest more than a billion dollars in home improvement and remodeling projects. From a new roof to a major kitchen or bath remodel, this work adds value and beauty to our homes, as well as comfort for the people who live in them. It’s important to know how to maximize ROI through strategic planning and thoughtful decisions before embarking on a project. To do this, you’ll need to assess your budget, motives, and future plans for the property. In addition, understanding the difference between home improvement and remodeling will help you plan your budget and avoid surprises down the line.

Home improvement is a wide-ranging category of projects that encompasses any type of repair, alteration, painting, renovating, restoring, repairing, modernizing, moving or demolishing a residential or noncommercial building or adding to it. It also includes the installation of insulation, air conditioning units, heating systems, water heaters and appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, window replacement, flooring and carpeting, landscaping and fences, nonpermanent structures such as sheds, porches, patios and decks, and similar works.

The main reason for upgrading a home is to make it more functional for the current residents or fit their lifestyle better. However, the motivation can vary depending on the needs and personality of the homeowner. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors in 2022, some reasons for upgrading a home included updating worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials (46%), adding functionality or features (31%), and making the house more attractive (9%).

A big part of the home improvement process is planning and researching to get the best quality at the lowest cost. This will usually involve looking for a contractor with a solid track record, good references and a license and insurance coverage. In this regard, many homeowners use online services such as aggregators to connect with service providers. These sites typically provide a list of prescreened contractors with their price ranges and contact information, which can be helpful in comparing quotes.

It’s important to remember that just because a project falls under the umbrella of “home improvement” doesn’t mean it won’t affect the value of your home. Some projects, like replacing a kitchen countertop or bathroom fixtures, will likely increase your home’s resale value more than others.

Other projects, such as a backyard deck or installing smart home technology, may not significantly raise your home’s resale price but can greatly improve your quality of life. The key is to plan carefully and prioritize your renovations based on your personal needs, lifestyle and future goals for the property. By doing so, you’ll be more satisfied with your upgrade and feel confident that it will pay off when you decide to sell. It’s also wise to save up for large projects through a high-interest savings account or consider using a credit card that offers promotional financing such as the Synchrony HOME(tm) Credit Card. This will allow you to spread the costs of your home improvement over time and manage your debt responsibly.

Home Improvement was one of the most popular sitcoms of the ’90s and launched the careers of its stars. The show’s cast – which included Tim Allen, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Zachery Ty Bryan and Richard Karn – has kept busy since the show went off the air 22 years ago.

Allen has hinted in the past that he’s open to the idea of rebooting the hit ’90s series. In 2018, he told Entertainment Tonight that he is “very interested” in reviving the show, and that talks about a potential spinoff are ongoing.

The hit ABC sitcom starred Allen as Tim Taylor, a do-it-yourself handyman with an uncanny ability to make things go awry. The show revolved around his family life, specifically his relationship with wife Jill (Patricia Richardson) and their three sons – the aggressive older Brad, the wily middle child Randy and the innocent Mark. The show also featured Tim’s Binford Tool Company-sponsored home improvement television show, Tool Time. Each episode featured Tim and his co-host, Al Borland (Richard Karn), working on a home improvement project. The show also featured a “Tool Time girl” – first Lisa (Pamela Anderson) and later Heidi (Debbe Dunning). Lisa’s main duties were to introduce Tim and Al at the beginning of each episode and to hand them any tools they requested.

Tim is an overly ambitious and accident-prone know-it-all who often gets himself into trouble, particularly when he ignores safety regulations and practices. He often falls off of roofs or other raised surfaces while working on a project, and he frequently fails to secure his work area with a safety harness. This is admittedly funny in the context of a TV comedy, but could be dangerous in real life.

In addition to his brash demeanor, Tim is a skilled craftsman who can construct almost anything. However, he often takes on too many projects at once or doesn’t finish his work before the deadline. He’s also prone to procrastinating, which causes him to put off projects for far too long.

The show often satirized the political climate in the United States and featured cameos by politicians, including President Clinton. During the 1992 Presidential election, Clinton’s handlers believed that appearing on Home Improvement would help humanize her and make her more likable to voters. It didn’t work out that way.