The home improvement industry is booming, thanks to rock-bottom interest rates and a population of homeowners who are better equipped financially than they were in decades past. Aging households, in particular, drove nearly half of all home improvement spending in 2017. These older homeowners also tend to have plenty of equity built up in their homes, making them an ideal audience for home renovation loans.
The most popular home improvement projects are sparkling bathroom overhauls and big-ticket kitchen and basement remodels. These projects are often expensive and have a relatively low return on investment when it comes time to sell, but many homeowners feel the need to renovate anyway.
It’s important to set a budget for your home improvement project before starting work, and to stick to it. Many projects are more expensive than expected, and it’s easy to overspend if you don’t have a clear idea of how much everything will cost you in advance. In a NerdWallet survey conducted in September, 80% of homeowners who had undertaken projects reported that they stuck to their budgets.
To help you stay within your budget, consider hiring a contractor who offers fixed pricing and guaranteed completion dates. In addition, ask for references and check them. Also, find out if the contractor’s workers are insured in case of an accident or injury on the job site.
Most homeowners rely on savings or borrowing to pay for their home improvement projects. If you’re looking to get a loan, home renovation loans are available from Fannie Mae and the Federal Housing Administration. You could also use a home equity line of credit, which is a revolving line of credit that’s backed by your home and has lower interest rates than unsecured loans.
Home improvement projects are an excellent way to improve your home’s functionality and comfort. They’re also a great way to increase the value of your property. However, if you’re thinking about doing a major home improvement project, it’s important to understand how much these projects will cost and what types of improvements are likely to yield the best ROI.
In recent years, DIY (do-it-yourself) TV shows like Trading Spaces have blurred the distinction between what was once considered a male domain of carpentry and home interior design. As a result, women are playing an increasingly active role in home improvement. Some even take the lead on projects, such as building decks and putting up fences. However, it’s important to remember that if you decide to hire someone to perform a home improvement project on your behalf, it’s essential to get a contract in place before beginning the work. This will protect you and the contractor from any misunderstandings about the work to be done and how it will be completed. The contract should also include payment terms and details about any warranties. You should also obtain copies of any permits that are required for the work. It’s also a good idea to discuss the schedule for when the work will be completed.