Home Improvement 101
Home improvement is the process of improving or renovating a home. The goal is to make it more functional, comfortable, and attractive. There are many different reasons to improve a home, including increasing its value and making it more energy efficient. Home improvements can be costly, but they are often worth the investment.
Many homeowners choose to renovate their homes to improve their quality of life or increase the amount of living space. Others want to add features that will appeal to potential buyers if they ever decide to sell their home. While these are good motivations, it is important to remember that a home renovation should first and foremost be done for the benefit of the homeowner. If a home renovation is only done to please the homeowner, it may not have much long-term impact on the home’s value or functionality.
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home improvements spiked during the pandemic, but that wasn’t the only reason for the rise in spending. The survey found that most consumers planned to undertake home improvements regardless of the pandemic, and that satisfaction with their homes was a major motivating factor.
Remodeling projects that increase a home’s efficiency can significantly decrease energy costs and pay for themselves over time. Some examples of these types of projects include new windows, a heat pump, and increased insulation. These home improvements are expected to continue to be popular in 2023.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your kitchen, add an extra bedroom, or just freshen up the paint, there is a home improvement project that is right for you and your budget. A little bit of planning and research can help you find the best home improvement projects for your needs, while still adding to the overall value of your home.
A good rule of thumb is to never spend more than 30% of your home’s total market value on any one project. This way, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your home improvement projects without worrying about selling it later on for a loss.
It is also important to remember that if you are not planning to sell your home in the near future, it makes sense to focus on projects with a high ROI. However, there are some maintenance tasks that simply can’t be put off. For example, neglected electrical problems or a leaky roof could lead to a dangerous situation for you and your family.
For these types of larger projects, a loan or line of credit is a good option to consider. A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, is a secured loan that uses your home as collateral and has a fixed interest rate that is paid over a set period of time. Another common source of home improvement financing is a second mortgage, which is a lump sum borrowed against the equity in your home. This is a better option than unsecured loans, since it has a lower interest rate and you have the advantage of locking in your rates for a predetermined period.