Home Improvement – Adding Value to Your Home

Home improvement, also known as house renovation or remodeling, is the process of making changes to improve a house. These changes can add value to the property, increase the enjoyment of the home, or both. Home improvement projects can be costly, so it is important to plan them carefully and find trustworthy contractors.

Many Americans have taken up DIY (do-it-yourself) projects for the sake of enhancing their homes. In the twentieth century, highly successful television programs such as Bob Vila’s This Old House helped to popularize the notion that a homeowner could accomplish home repairs and improvements on his or her own. In addition, magazines and tool makers promoted home improvement projects as a way for fathers to bond with their children while teaching them valuable job skills.

These trends contributed to the growth of the home-center industry and a culture of do-it-yourself. Historian Carolyn Goldstein argues that the popularity of home improvement in the 1980s was partly motivated by a desire for nostalgia, which resulted in a widespread interest in Victorian-style elements such as decorative molding and ornate light fixtures.

Adding a new master suite or installing an expensive fountain in the yard can significantly raise the resale value of your home, but don’t go overboard. Too many high-end renovations can actually detract from your property’s value. Also, it’s a good idea to talk with your real estate agent before making any major changes. He or she can advise you on the types of home improvements that will add the most value to your home.