Home improvement is the repair, maintenance or restoration of residential real property. It can be anything from installing a new roof to redoing a kitchen or bath. It also includes such projects as paving a driveway, painting, sprucing up the yard and more.
Generally, the home improvement projects that make the most sense are those that will increase the value of the house or improve its ability to function for a family’s specific needs and desires. However, not all projects will yield the same ROI and some might even decrease a house’s value. For this reason, it is important to do some homework and research before committing to a home improvement project.
While renovations rarely go according to plan, it is a good idea to get the non-negotiable details hammered out before beginning any work. Having a clear idea of what the results should look like and how much the entire project is going to cost will save time, stress and money.
When selecting a contractor for home improvements, homeowners should always compare not only price, but also reputation, experience and longevity in the business. It is a good idea to receive estimates from several contractors for the same project and to ask for references. In addition to these measures, home improvement contractors should be licensed by the City of New York and the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland. They should also carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.