Home improvement consists of all of the repairs, renovations and other work that enhances a house or apartment. It can be done by professionals or by a do-it-yourself homeowner. Home improvements can make a property more enjoyable to live in, or they can increase the resale value of the dwelling.
Many home improvement projects are relatively inexpensive and can be completed in a weekend. Some can be done with the help of a family member or friend. Buying tools and supplies for a project can be expensive, but it’s often possible to find items at a discount or to repurpose household items for use in a DIY project.
Increasingly, homeowners are turning to home improvement aggregators and other online resources to find contractors for large remodeling projects. However, it’s important for consumers to carefully vet contractors and to make sure they have the proper credentials, insurance and references.
While many homeowners have paused major remodeling projects in the wake of the pandemic, they’re still making improvements to their homes. The nation’s two largest home improvement retailers reported this week that sales have dipped, but they say households are focused on lower-cost do-it-yourself fixes and repairs. The retailers, Lowe’s and Home Depot, have seen shoppers cut back on kitchen and bathroom renovations, in favor of things like installing new faucets and shower curtains. The retailers attribute the shift to a heightened awareness of pandemic-related price increases and a concern about financial stability.