Construction and home improvement is the industry that encompasses the sale of building materials, appliances, decor, and also the contractors and tradespeople who help people build, repair, renovate or upgrade their homes. The industry saw a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, with homeowners focusing on do-it-yourself renovation projects and home improvements. This article explores the latest stats, trends and predictions about the future of this important segment of our economy.
A home improvement project is generally defined as any alterations, repairs, restorations, remodelling, repurposing, remodeling, modernization, repairing, or addition to real property, including the installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, insulation, windows, doors, patios, driveways, swimming pools, fences, sheds, porches and garages. Home improvement also includes the conversion of existing commercial structures into residential uses.
The best way to choose a contractor for your home improvement project is to shop around for estimates. Compare prices, services offered, and track records. It’s also a good idea to find out whether the contractor is licensed and insured. You can check license and insurance information through the Department of Consumer Protection. You can also do a background check on a contractor through the Better Business Bureau, which provides consumer reviews and disciplinary actions.
Make sure you get a written contract before hiring anyone to do any work on your home. The contract should include the name of the contractor, their Connecticut registration number, the address where they are registered and a telephone number. It should also include the type of project and a description of the work to be done, the price, the payment terms, the time frame for completion and any other pertinent information. The contract should be dated and signed by both the contractor and homeowner.