The home improvement industry includes stores that sell a broad range of repair and maintenance products like hardware, tools and electrical goods as well as lumber and structural material for construction and renovations. The colossal home improvement retailers—like Home Depot and Lowe’s—purchase goods from manufacturers and wholesalers to sell directly to do-it-yourself consumers as well as professional contractors. However, small home improvement centers and independent hardware chains often rank higher in customer service ratings than the mega-retailers in this space.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people began looking for home improvement supplies 26% more often than last year. But it wasn’t clear at the time what caused this surge in search activity. As it became clear the pandemic wasn’t as temporary as initially thought, shoppers shifted their priorities and started investing in projects to make their homes more comfortable.
While there was a pause in home project activity at the start of the pandemic, it has since ticked back up. The big home improvement retailers have been able to capture this rebound, partly due to their ability to serve pro and DIY customers alike with one-stop shopping.
However, as demand shifts, capturing new growth in this dynamic market requires deep insight into modern consumer behavior. With Numerator, you can quickly gain insights into key home improvement shopper groups—like PROsumers & DIYers and Homeowners & Renters—as well as get unparalleled analysis of their attitudes, opinions and behaviors. This allows you to understand leakage at the category and brand level—as well as which shoppers are driving it—and create targeted marketing strategies for your retail partners.
Home improvement projects, whether they involve a major extension or simply a new kitchen or bathroom, require an experienced general contractor to ensure a safe and successful project. A residential remodeling contractor has a variety of skills that allow them to manage the entire process, including design and planning, construction management, permit acquisition, budgeting, and scheduling.
Hiring a residential home improvement contractor is a significant investment. In order to make the best decision possible, homeowners should compare customer reviews on home services review websites like Angi or HomeAdvisor, as well as asking family members and friends for recommendations.
Depending on the size of the home improvement project, it may be beneficial to hire a design-build company. A design-build company is responsible for architecture, design, and construction management of major home renovation projects. They will provide customers with a single point of contact for the entire duration of the project, and are able to work more efficiently than other contractors.
In Westchester County, there are specific laws in place regarding home improvement contractors that regulate their licensing. For example, the Department of Consumer Protection maintains a list of “renegade renovators” that consumers should avoid, and if a home improvement contractor arranges or facilitates financing for a contract, they must complete a disclosure form. New York City has similar laws, as do Suffolk, Nassau, Putnam and Rockland counties. In addition to these local regulations, all New York home improvement contractors must have a valid state license.
Whether it’s a new deck, fence or windows for your house or commercial property, or simply painting and cleaning the exterior of your home, there are many ways to improve your home and make it more attractive. Fortunately, many of these projects can be handled by professional contractors. Some companies even specialize in certain aspects of construction and renovation, including roofing, carpentry and plumbing.
Home improvement is an industry that’s boomed and busted over the years, and it remains a popular option for many homeowners. Aside from improving a house’s overall value and appearance, some projects also improve energy efficiency or allow for easier maintenance. A home improvement construction company will help you plan, design and execute your home remodeling project. It will provide you with a blueprint of how your renovation or construction project should be completed and will work with your chosen architect to ensure everything is in order.
Before hiring a home improvement contractor, you should do your homework to find out if the company is licensed by your local government. You should also make sure the contractor you hire has insurance in case an injury or damage occurs on your property. You should also ask for references and contact them to see how satisfied they were with the work performed.
Another important step is to ensure that the contractor you hire deposits your payments in a construction account. This is required under New York State General Business Law SS 771. If a contractor doesn’t, he can be sued by the supplier or subcontractor for not getting paid.
Home remodeling is a big undertaking that can cost an awful lot of money. Whether you’re adding a new bathroom, kitchen or finishing the basement, it can add up fast. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you might need to get a home improvement loan to cover the costs. But with so many lenders out there offering home improvement loans, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
To help you decide which one is the right choice for you, this article takes a look at some of the home remodeling financing companies and what they have to offer. It also provides tips for borrowers and contractors on choosing the best options.
If you’re thinking about taking out a home improvement loan, you should first put together an estimate of how much the project will cost. This can help you understand what kind of loan you need and how much you’ll have to pay back each month. You can do this by using online calculators or asking a contractor for an estimate.
You should also consider how long you want to repay the loan. If you’re planning to sell your house soon, it may not be a good idea to take out a loan that will be paid off in less than a year and a half. You should also make sure you’re working with a reputable contractor and that the loan terms are fair.
Some large contractors offer their own financing, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that smaller contractors can’t provide this service too. You can also use a personal loan or even borrow against your home equity to fund your renovations. It’s important to compare rates and terms from a variety of lenders before making your final decision.
There’s always something to do around the house. Whether it’s fixing the leaky faucet or re-grouting tile, these projects can make your home feel fresh and updated. Depending on your budget and DIY skills, you can upgrade your home without tearing down walls or running out of money.
Some projects add value to your home, such as replacing old windows or installing energy-efficient appliances. Others can help you save money on your energy bills, such as a smart thermostat or a new, efficient furnace. Some of these upgrades even lead to rebates from the electric company or local government.
Other improvements can make your home more convenient and appealing, which is a plus for you or potential buyers. However, it’s important to remember that not all projects have the same resale value. For instance, a home recording studio may appeal to you, but a buyer might not be willing to pay for it.
A fresh coat of paint is a low-cost, easy way to upgrade your home’s interior and exterior. It’s also one of the top-ranking projects on the Cost vs. Value Report, according to Angi. If your home is painted a strange color (maybe because your daughter turned her room hot pink 16 years ago), repainting it will make it look new and fresh.
The front of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to keep it looking good. A well-kept lawn, planted flowers, and a simple shrubbery can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. You can also add color to your home’s exterior by painting the shutters or trim, as long as it stays consistent with the rest of the home.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer who needs inspiration for a new DIY project or a homeowner looking for tips and tricks from a home renovation professional, the internet has plenty of resources to help. The best home renovation websites cover a variety of topics, from a wide range of design trends to helpful how-to advice and practical ideas for remodeling a home.
Remodeling and decorating are often expensive projects. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on home improvement projects without sacrificing quality. The best home renovation websites provide a wealth of hacks, tips and ideas to save money on your next project.
If you’re working with a tight budget, the best home renovation websites can offer some great ideas for affordable upgrades that make your home feel more luxurious. For example, you can find free plans for a DIY wood countertop or smart storage solutions that can improve your home’s functionality and reduce clutter.
There are also a number of websites dedicated to specific types of homes. For instance, CIRCA Houses is a resource for anyone who loves old houses and wants to learn more about restoring them to their original glory. Similarly, Retro Renovation offers advice for people who love the mid-century modern style and want to know more about how to incorporate it into their home.
The best home renovation websites can help homeowners realize their dream homes and also save money in the process. The sites feature articles, video tutorials and DIY projects for a variety of topics including home repair, gardening, kitchen design and bathroom remodeling. Many of the articles are written by professionals who work in the field and can give practical solutions to common problems that people encounter.
As mortgage rates climb and the real estate market cools, some homeowners might choose to stay put and renovate. But what kind of upgrades should they make? Those with practical goals might lean toward energy efficiency or bathroom remodeling. But there are plenty of fun options, too. For example, a sliding barn door can add style and functionality to a bedroom, laundry room or kitchen.
Another smart upgrade is a home theater system. And a sunroom addition is the perfect way to enjoy your outdoor space – even when it’s cold or rainy.
Thankfully, not all home improvements require a major renovation. Some are surprisingly inexpensive. For instance, a LED strip light that can be controlled with your smartphone is less than $30 and could transform the look of any room. Or, try a simple DIY project like painting your front door or installing a new one. It’s a great way to boost your curb appeal.
If you have an old, outdated home or feel like your house needs a freshening up, there are a variety of ways to do it. Some projects are more extensive than others and require professional help, while others can be handled on your own. Home remodeling or renovation can transform the appearance of a home, make it more comfortable and increase its value.
If the project you have in mind is large, such as converting an apartment kitchen into a more spacious open floor plan or adding a bathroom to your home, it’s best to find a general contractor who specializes in this type of remodel. It’s also a good idea to ensure that any contractors you hire are licensed and insured. You’ll want to be able to check that online before hiring.
Having the Right Resources
One of the biggest challenges for homeowners who want to renovate their homes is finding the funds for the project. If you don’t have the cash on hand to complete a major home improvement, you can apply for a loan. Many lenders offer loans specifically for home renovations. These loans may come with a lower interest rate than your mortgage and might even have tax benefits. Before you apply, be sure to shop around for the best rates and fees. You can compare rates online using a free service such as Sweeten. You’ll also want to ensure that any contractors you hire are licensed, insured and have the required certifications for your project.
When you remodel, it’s hard to have your life together while your contractor juggles subcontractor schedules. That’s why Harris Home assigns a Customer Specialist to oversee the entire timetable, including all labor. And they don’t guess what your renovation might cost — they work it out based on all the materials you need to redo your space. Plus, they’ll review your plans with you and give you a custom 3-D rendering so you can be sure the transformation will match your vision. And that’s just the start. Check out their extensive photo gallery.
Few people in the ’90s had more power than Home Improvement star Tim Allen. He had a booming movie career and made an impact on TV with the popular ABC sitcom about a television repairman named Tim Taylor and his family. During the show’s eight-season run, it earned numerous awards and nominations, including several Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards. The series also starred Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Casey Sander and Debbe Dunning.
Now, Richardson is coming out in defense of her former co-star in the wake of a resurfaced clip slamming Allen for flashing her during filming. The clip is taken from a Home Improvement blooper reel and shows Allen lifting up his kilt in front of Richardson. The former Playboy model and current MMA fighter says Allen never exposed himself to her.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Richardson has defended Allen. She spoke out about a claim that the actor flashed her on the set of the popular ’90s show in an interview last year. She claims Allen never did that and she is adamant that the allegation is false.
On the other hand, one of the show’s co-stars has some legal troubles to deal with. Zachery Ty Bryan, who played the eldest Taylor son Brad on the hit ’90s sitcom, was arrested in Oregon in October 2020 for felony strangulation and financial fraud after four unnamed sources accused him of running a fraudulent agriculture-technology scam.