Home Improvement – How to Maximize Your Return on Investment

Home improvement, also known as home renovation or house remodeling, is the process of renovating or repairing one’s home. This is done to improve the home’s comfort, appearance, or utility. Home improvements can be made to a single room or the entire house. It may also be done to increase the efficiency of a home, such as adding insulation or upgrading the heating and cooling system. This type of work can also include garden work or building a garage or shed.

While most homeowners undertake projects with their own personal tastes in mind, they often hope the additions will boost resale value as well. However, not all renovations add value, and some actually decrease resale value.

According to Angi, an online contractor search and house remodeling site, homeowners who want to maximize their return on investment should focus on those projects that are most likely to appeal to potential buyers. That means avoiding the ultra high-end finishes that many think will add value, like marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Those extra touches are more expensive to install and may not appeal to buyers. Other expensive projects, such as swimming pools, are less appealing to most buyers because of the maintenance and safety concerns they pose.

While homeowners can try to do some of these projects themselves, hiring a professional to perform them is usually the best way to ensure quality and save time. Before choosing a contractor, homeowners should check the company’s license, insurance coverage, business references, and background, as well as make sure they pass a criminal record screening.