Home improvement is the repairing, renovating or modernizing of a home. This includes a wide range of projects, such as adding or upgrading bathrooms and kitchens, installing new windows and doors, painting, carpeting, landscaping and putting up fences. It may also include additions such as decks, porches or gazebos. Home improvements are generally intended to improve the appearance or functionality of a house and may increase its resale value.
Some projects are more likely to add value than others, however. The best renovations are those that appeal to a broad group of potential buyers. So, while a homeowner might love the look of marble floors in the bathroom, a prospective buyer might not be interested. Similarly, a pool might be a great addition to your property, but it won’t necessarily add resale value.
With mortgage rates low and prices high, homeowners are spending more on repairing and improving their homes instead of buying new ones. The most valuable home improvements are those that boost energy efficiency, and experts say projects addressing water and air quality will be especially popular in 2023. The other major area of growth is in outdoor projects, such as putting up fencing and building decks, which are up more than threefold, according to Anderson.