Home improvement projects can save money over time, increase home value and make the experience of living in a house better. While some types of home improvements are simple, others require expert contractors to complete properly. The best local home improvement companies are familiar with the city’s building codes and can easily pull a permit when necessary. The right contractor also knows the most efficient way to accomplish a task, so you can be confident in his or her work.
If you’re looking for a general contractor, the free online tool HomeAdvisor helps match homeowners with reputable local contractors and professionals. The site guides potential clients through a series of questions and then provides quotes from contractors that serve their area. HomeAdvisor prescreens its contractors and owners to ensure licensing and customer satisfaction. It also offers articles and tips to help the homeowner prepare for a project or service, such as preparing for a bathtub membrane recoating.
For a specific type of project, you can find a qualified professional by asking friends and family for recommendations or checking the local listings on social media and Google Search. In the case of a big job, like an addition or a whole-house remodel, many contractors will place a lawn sign in front of the home during construction. You can also find a professional by visiting the website of your city’s building department to see if any contractors have been cited for violations or are on the list of unlicensed builders.
A remodel website is a great way to freshen up your business’ online presence. However, don’t just focus on aesthetics, make sure you are also updating critical elements of the site to increase conversion.
Getting more traffic and having awesome project photos on your website are great, but ultimately you want people to reach out and become your next remodeling client. Your website should be designed with that in mind and include carefully crafted call-to-actions.
If you have a high bounce rate, it is time to look at how your website is performing. This can be a sign of untargeted traffic, poor user experience or just that people aren’t finding what they’re looking for on your site and are frustrated.
Having a responsive website that automatically adjusts to the screen size of the device (desktop, tablet or smartphone) is one of the best things you can do for your home remodeler website. This allows your prospective clients to easily connect with you on a device that is convenient for them and ensures they don’t hit the back button and return to Google.
Home remodeling companies should always have their contact information, email capture form and videos readily available on their websites. Ideally these should be located above the fold, meaning that visitors can see them without scrolling down. Also, be sure your contact info is easy to find on each page and that your website is mobile-friendly.
Home renovation companies can make structural changes to your home, from remodeling the kitchen or adding a new bathroom, to re-wiring or replacing flooring. They can also do more cosmetic improvements, such as painting walls or updating windows. When choosing a contractor, be sure to look at their portfolio and read reviews online. You should also check their business licenses, insurance policies and BBB accreditation.
The first step to a successful home remodel is to get your building permits and approvals. Depending on your location, this may include permissions from homeowner’s associations, or if you live in a historic district, from the local government. You may also need to get approval from your neighbors.
A home restoration company can help you navigate the permit and approval process. They can also assist with design, engineering, analysis and construction services. They can provide you with the right tools, materials and construction techniques to improve your home’s functionality and value.
A home reconstruction company can provide emergency repairs to your property after a natural disaster. They can also repair damaged water or fire damage, and install drywall and ductwork. They can even install air conditioning and plumbing, and clear clogged drains. They can work on residential and commercial projects, as well as renovate restaurants and retail spaces. They are usually licensed, insured and highly experienced in their field. You should choose a company with a good reputation and experience to ensure you’re getting the best results for your renovation project.
Homeowners are investing more in residential home improvement. We explore the latest stats and trends, popular projects and more.
Adding space to your home not only increases its function and livability, but it also can boost its value. However, homeowners can face challenges with financing such a major project. This article provides information on a variety of resources and ideas to help you complete your remodeling project successfully and affordably.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), during the pandemic, professional renovation projects dropped while do-it-yourself renovations soared. These DIY efforts were often a result of being confined to the house and the desire to use that time to improve entertainment and work-from-home spaces, increase their comfort with the existing space and create homes they would feel happy in. The NAR survey also shared that homeowners are more satisfied with their homes after completing remodeling projects.
A few quick and inexpensive improvements can improve a home’s energy efficiency, making it more affordable to live in the home and reduce utilities bills. For example, replacing old windows can reduce drafts and cold air coming into the home. Also, installing a smart thermostat can save money by helping homeowners monitor and adjust their heating and cooling systems.
The State of New York requires contractors working on certain residential home improvement projects to have a valid residential contractor’s license. For this reason, it is important that homeowners check a contractor’s license and insurance prior to hiring them for any work on their homes.
If you need local contractors for home repairs, the best way to find someone is through referrals from family or friends. If that’s not possible, you can also use a service that specializes in contractor reviews such as HomeAdvisor or Angi (formerly Angie’s List). These websites provide customers with information on providers including pricing, services offered, and customer reviews.
When you are looking at a contractor’s online reviews, it is important to read both the positive and the negative ones. It will give you a balanced view of the contractor’s abilities. Also, look at how the contractor rates themselves, and be sure you understand the rating system used by each website.
Be sure to check the contractor’s licensing information and whether they are a member of any professional associations. In addition, make sure that you get a written estimate for the work to be performed. It is often surprising how much a difference there can be between one contractor’s price and another’s.
It’s a good idea to have any work done on your home supervised by a licensed general contractor. This person assumes responsibility for all aspects of construction, including budgets, schedules, quality control, and the selection of subcontractors.
Be sure to verify any claims made by the contractor about energy savings, increased security, or home value. And always ask for a written contract before any work is started, and don’t sign it until all blank spaces have been filled in.
We all find things around the house that need repair – maybe a leaky faucet, scuffed floor boards, or chipped paint. These are generally simple maintenance tasks that we can do ourselves or make a mental note to get done “this weekend.” However, when a major storm damages your home and you need to have more extensive work performed, it’s important to use a qualified contractor that is licensed and insured. Some contractors are not reputable and may overcharge you or do substandard work.
Look for a license number on the contractor’s business card or vehicle and ask them to provide proof of insurance. Some counties and New York City require that contractors have a permit to do certain types of work. Check the permit number against the list of active licensed contractors in your area to avoid hiring an unlicensed contractor.
Obtain references and call them to verify that they are actual customers of the contractor and that the job was completed satisfactorily. Ideally, choose a contractor with positive current references and a long history of experience in the type of work you need done.
A written contract is critical and should include all work to be done, payment terms, an estimated date for completion, a clear description of the scope of the work, and a detailed itemized cost breakdown. Do not let a contractor start work without a signed contract.
Keep a log of all communications and activities related to your project. This will help you in the event that a dispute arises and you need to pursue legal action. Also, it may be helpful in resolving disputes with your contractor if problems occur during or after the work is completed.
Whether you live in a turn-key home or your humble abode needs an overhaul, some diy home improvement projects require more money and experience than a beginner can afford or be confident about taking on. Fortunately, there are still plenty of low-cost and easy tasks that can help you make your house feel like new. From freshening trim to swapping out cabinet and door hardware, the following projects are perfect for beginners who want to get a feel for their hands and become more handy around the house.
Painting can have an instant impact on the look of a space, says Swier. Plus, practicing your techniques will help you learn how paint flows and dries so you can tackle more complicated jobs in the future.
When it comes to upgrading your home, you don’t need a major renovation to see a return on your investment. Many projects cost a fraction of whole-house renovations and can add value to your home when it comes time to sell. From re-grouting tile to painting, these do-it-yourself projects are easy enough for homeowners of any skill level.
A fresh coat of paint can dramatically update a room. Opt for light colors in small rooms, while using darker hues to create dramatic effects in larger spaces. Another quick and easy DIY project is to install new window treatments or replace the door’s hardware. Changing out electrical outlets and covers can modernize your home, while installing crown molding can give a room a finished look. And a programmable thermostat will help you save on energy bills.
If you have a spare closet, turn it into a home office by clearing out the clutter and adding custom shelving. In a weekend or two you can go from empty space to a work nook that’s perfect for productivity.
Other low-cost, high-value projects include a front door replacement, a deck build and exterior paint jobs. You can also install new windows and plant a privacy screen, such as Arborvitae ‘Green Giant,’ to block winter winds. A screened-in porch or patio is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. And lastly, you can add livable square footage to your home by finishing the basement.
Home improvement is the repairing, renovating or modernizing of the interior or exterior of a residential building. It may also include the addition of rooms or the conversion of commercial spaces into residential use. Home improvements can be done for a variety of reasons, including improving comfort and appearance, adding resale value or changing the function of a room. Examples of home improvements include painting, refinishing wood surfaces, remodeling the kitchen or bath, installing a deck or patio, and upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Although more than 22 million homeowners completed at least one home improvement project in 2017, the bulk of the spending was driven by just three percent of owners who tackled high-end projects such as replacing a roof or modifying an HVAC system. These high-spending households also tend to be younger and live in more urban areas, according to data from the American Housing Survey (AHS).
Axiom’s survey of homeowner attitudes found that almost four in five homeowners say they can afford to do at least some of their planned home repairs or improvements without tapping into savings or going into debt. However, about three-fourths of those surveyed said they would be more cautious about hiring home repair or improvement professionals because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Axiom survey also showed that there has been a surge in several types of home improvement, mainly yard and landscape work such as trimming trees or building fences. Other popular projects cited by survey respondents were putting in a new deck, planting shrubs or flowers and laying sod.
A home remodel is a big investment that can add value to the property and improve its aesthetics. A renovation can also help increase the comfort and functionality of a living space. Many homeowners are interested in making their homes more energy efficient as well. In addition to saving on utility costs, eco-friendly upgrades can also help lower a homeowner’s carbon footprint and reduce energy bills.
If you are in the market for a new bathroom, kitchen or other home improvement project, it is important to choose the right contractor. A professional can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, while avoiding costly mistakes that could be made by a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.
Before hiring a contractor, consider asking about their experience and whether they have any certifications or memberships in industry organizations. Additionally, ask for references from past clients. This will help you determine if they have been satisfied with the work performed. It’s also a good idea to compare estimates from several contractors before making a decision.
It’s important to remember that a home remodeling project can disrupt a family’s lifestyle for days or even weeks. In order to keep stress levels low, it’s crucial to select the right contractor and develop a detailed plan for the project. Then, once the work is complete, you can enjoy your beautiful new home!