When the COVID-19 pandemic ended, a lot of homeowners found themselves facing a new challenge: the task of getting their homes back in tip-top shape. Home improvement planning spiked during the stay-at-home months, and many remodelers continue to see high volumes of projects today. But what’s the future for the industry now that the panic has calmed? A new report from Barbour ABI helps shed some light on the answer to that question.
Among the factors that will determine where home improvement is headed are product types, options and local labor costs. The top metros for renovation activity include Salt Lake City, UT; Provo, UT; and Coeur d’Alene, ID. This is likely due to strong employment and population growth in those cities.
The report also looks at the average cost of various home improvement projects, including bathtub installation, shower installation and window replacement. For example, a homeowner can expect to spend $614 per window and $1,309 per door on replacement. The number of windows in a house, as well as the size and material of the doors, will have a significant impact on project costs.
Compared to its competitors, west home improvements offers a unique model that provides speed and efficiency with a curated selection of products. However, its limited scope of services may not meet the needs of all remodeling clients. Also, it requires an in-home consultation to provide pricing, which might not be convenient for some consumers.
When it comes to home improvement shopping, consumers tend to return to certain retailers again and again. This is especially true for home improvement chains and independent home centers, where customers often find the products they need at affordable prices. So how do they decide where to shop? We surveyed more than 500 homeowners to learn about their motivations for choosing specific home improvement stores and why they keep returning.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or looking to complete your first project, home improvement stores provide all the tools and materials you need. With convenient store layouts, knowledgeable staff, in-store workshops and classes, and special services available, these stores are the ultimate DIY haven. But to get the most out of your home improvement shopping experience, it’s important to be prepared for your visit. In order to maximize productivity, we recommend taking the time to assess your projects and determine what materials and supplies you’ll need for each. You can then utilize helpful resources like in-store maps or customer service assistance to ensure you make the most efficient use of your trip.
Despite interest rate hikes and general market uncertainties, home improvement sales remain strong. However, with major home renovation projects on hold, it’s more important than ever to focus on smaller upgrades and cost-effective solutions that can add comfort and value to your home without breaking the bank. To that end, we’re seeing increasing demand for DIYers to prioritize eco-friendly ethically sourced products, as well as options that allow rooms to serve multiple functions in order to reduce waste and energy consumption.
A residential home improvement contractor is a person or company that specializes in carrying out renovations and repairs in homes. This can include painting, flooring, kitchens, baths, roofs, windows and doors, decks, gazebos and pergolas, patios, garages, basement finishing, electrical installations and fire protection systems. Some of these contractors are independent contractors while others work for construction companies or home renovation businesses.
A good residential home improvement contractor should be licensed and insured, should have a strong list of references, and should have experience working with homeowners on remodel projects. They should also be able to provide a written contract that includes the project details, a payment schedule and as many specifics as possible, including types of materials and brands. This contract should include a timeline and it’s important that you follow up on it, bringing problems to the attention of your contractor as they arise.
One of the most common residential renovation projects is a kitchen or bathroom remodel. But, a homeowner can also choose to remodel their entire house, extending it, adding on an addition, or even putting up a new garage. A remodeling project is not something that can be done in a day, and it’s important to find a contractor that you trust to get the job done quickly while providing quality results.
For those considering a remodel, start by asking for recommendations from family and friends or do an internet search to find local contractors with experience in your type of project. Check online reviews and compare quotes before choosing a contractor. If your project is going to be complex, consider working with a general contractor who can manage subcontractors and ensure the project is completed in a timely manner.
Home improvement construction company refers to a contractor that is licensed and insured and specializes in a wide variety of home renovation and remodeling projects. These projects may include painting, roof replacement, drywall repair, door and window replacements, kitchen cabinet installation, tile floors, electrical work, and plumbing repairs. A good home improvement construction company will have an extensive portfolio of past projects and references from previous clients. They will also have a reputation for honesty and reliability which is important to both the general contractors they work with as well as their suppliers and subcontractors.
Some homeowners choose to hire a home improvement construction company to perform major renovation and remodeling projects that will add value to the property, such as installing an entirely new kitchen or bathroom, adding a deck or patio, and making other structural changes. These types of large scale remodeling projects can require a great deal of coordination between a homeowner and the home improvement construction company.
Generally, contractors will provide a written contract with the cost of the project, start and completion dates, a description of the work to be performed and any warranties or guarantees. According to California law, contracts for projects valued at $500 or more must be in writing and contain certain information such as the name and address of the contractor, his license number, commercial general liability insurance policy number and the names of any other insurance companies that cover him.
Whether it’s an energy efficiency upgrade, bathroom renovation or new deck, home remodeling projects are big undertakings that require substantial investments in time and money. To help ensure the success of your project, homeowners must plan carefully, including assessing their financial situation and researching various financing options. Choosing the right financing path can mean saving up, applying for a loan or rolling the costs into their mortgage.
Depending on the size of the project and your financial situation, any one of the following options could be a smart way to pay for your home renovation:
Personal loans: Personal loans can often come with lower interest rates than home equity loans or HELOCs, since you’re not using your home as collateral. However, the process can take longer than other options, as lenders must run a credit check and complete an appraisal. Credit cards can also be an option for smaller projects, but remember that credit card interest rates can quickly add up and make it difficult to manage your payments over the long term.
Contractor financing: Some contractors offer their own financing programs in conjunction with partner lenders, typically paying the contractor directly for the work they perform. This may provide an expedited funding solution, but you’ll want to be aware of additional fees, such as processing and origination charges, that you’ll need to factor into your costs.
Remodeling construction loans: PrimeLending offers different types of home remodeling loans intended to accommodate a range of renovation projects. Talk to a home loan expert to find the loan that’s right for you.
Whether you want to improve your home to increase its value or simply make it more comfortable, there are a lot of things that can be done. However, it’s important to focus on sections of your house that will provide the best return on investment. These areas may include a nice-looking backsplash, a more spacious kitchen, or better tiling in your bathroom.
One of the most important things homeowners can do is stay on top of maintenance tasks. This will help to prevent small problems from becoming large ones. It will also ensure that your home looks as good as possible if you decide to sell it in the future.
Another way to increase your home’s value is to upgrade the exterior. This can be as simple as adding new house numbers or upgrading the look of your front door. Some of the more popular exterior upgrades include adding manufactured stone veneer or painting your home.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring an interior designer to give you ideas and help you get started. Many realtors offer this service as a courtesy for a reasonable hourly fee.
While whole-house renovations can add significant value to your property, not everyone has a million bucks to spend on improvements. Fortunately, there are plenty of low-cost home improvement projects that can make your house more attractive, both for potential buyers and for you. Whether it’s painting, re-grouting tile, or even power washing the outside of your home, these do-it-yourself projects can add up to big returns on your investment.
Whether you’re looking to transform an outdated bedroom into a cozy sanctuary or turn the basement into a playroom, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and step-by-step tutorials on these top home renovation websites. These comprehensive platforms offer a mix of expert advice, DIY ideas, and design inspiration, making it easier than ever to get the job done.
Home remodelers have a unique opportunity to build trust with potential customers through their online presence. By highlighting the benefits of their services, offering client testimonials, and providing a detailed explanation of the home remodeling process, they can make a significant impact on the homeowner’s decision-making process.
A strong website is essential for a successful home remodel, but not all websites are created equal. These sites below are the best in terms of user-friendly navigation, informative content, and inspiring visuals.
Renovation Husbands
When you land on the Renovation Husbands site, it feels like stepping into a rustic yet refined living room. The neutral tones and beautiful photos are instantly inviting, and the pair’s personal portraits add an authentic touch that makes the website feel more trustworthy. The website’s smorgasbord of engaging content is an added bonus, with blogs, videos, and shopping options available throughout.
Home improvements are a great way to personalize your space and make your house feel more like a home. While these projects can be expensive and time-consuming, they can also add value to your property when it’s time to sell. We’ve collected a variety of cool home improvement ideas to help you improve your living spaces, from small upgrades that can be completed in an afternoon to big-ticket remodels that offer the best return on investment.
Update Your Fireplace
A boring brick fireplace is easily transformed with a fresh coat of paint and a few easy upgrades. Start by scrubbing your fireplace to remove dirt and grime, then choose a high-gloss paint in your favorite color to give it a brand new look. This is an easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend and will instantly transform your living room!
Build Custom Storage
Adding storage is a top home improvement idea that will appeal to prospective buyers. You can build storage into your home in a variety of ways, from turning an old closet into an office to building a mudroom off the back door. Built-in shelving will also make a big difference in any kitchen, and can be customized to hold everything from cookbooks to extra pots and pans.
More substantial upgrades include adding a sunroom or other room addition to your home, which can be used as a workspace, playroom, or greenroom. Other simple but effective upgrades include a redesigned front door and window treatments. Upgraded outlet covers, light switches and door knobs will make a big impact on your home’s aesthetic.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the near future or just want to improve its curb appeal, there are many different ways you can upgrade your property. For example, you can install energy efficient windows to lower your utility bills and increase your home’s resale value, or you could replace your entry door for increased security and improved aesthetics. You could also hire a deck contractor to update your outdoor space, or a house painter to repaint your exterior. The key is to find a qualified, licensed home renovation contractor who can ensure the job is done properly and safely.
Remodeling costs can vary widely depending on the scope of work, underlying issues and materials used. However, the most important factor is to find a remodeling professional who you trust. You can search for local remodeling contractors through sites like Thumbtack, where you can view cost estimates and reviews before booking a pro. You can also save time by working with a design-build firm that will connect you with both designers and contractors, increasing efficiency and consistency throughout your project.
If you live in a condo, co-op or HOA, you may need to submit your plans to your building’s board and get Department of Buildings approval. A vetted apartment remodeling contractor from Sweeten can help you navigate these challenges and make sure the work meets building codes. This is especially important when it comes to structural changes and electrical or plumbing work, as these types of projects are more complicated in older buildings.
Homeowners often need help with repairs or improvements, but finding reliable local service can be a challenge. Home repair sites like Fixr and OddJob can provide homeowners with vetted technicians to complete projects that are too small for contractors but too complex for DIY efforts. Additionally, these services can offer emergency scheduling for urgent home repairs.
These sites also provide information about government programs that can make it easier for some homeowners to afford needed repairs or renovations. For example, programs for Native Americans and veterans may offer assistance for repairing or improving an existing home or installing accessibility features.
Many of the home repair sites featured on this list feature a nationwide network with branches that are usually less than an hour’s drive from most locations. This is important because some service companies require their technicians to be licensed in their community, and a homeowner will want to know that any service they receive is covered by liability insurance.
In addition to offering a wide range of services, these home repair sites have an easy-to-use website that makes it simple for homeowners to schedule or reschedule an appointment. Some of them also offer online billing and customer support, making it even more convenient for people to access the services they need. They are also rated highly for their customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. Additionally, they all offer competitive pricing and a money-back guarantee. These sites are among the best home repair sites.