Home improvement is a great way to enhance your home and improve your quality of life. There are a wide variety of projects, such as painting, installing new appliances, and improving your garden. Investing in these home improvements can be a sound investment in a shaky economy. But homeowners need to know their options.
For example, you may choose to finance your project with a 0% interest credit card. Or, you can refinance your mortgage to pay off a home equity line of credit. This will give you some extra cash to use for the project. In addition, the cost of your project will also affect the way you fund it. If you want to save on interest, make sure you pay off your balance before the introductory period ends.
The most important aspect to consider is how much money you need for the project. You should estimate a good figure for the amount, especially if you’re planning a big job. Ideally, you’ll use your existing bank or an online lender to finance the project. A 0% interest rate can help you keep your costs down, but make sure you’re ready to pay it off before the introductory period is over.
One of the more important aspects of a home improvement project is how it will impact resale value. Some upgrades are more attractive to potential buyers than others. For instance, marble floors in the bathroom probably aren’t a big selling point for buyers.
Other important factors to consider include the local market, the economy, and inflation. These factors can all change how you can afford to make your home improvements.
To find the best deals, you need to compare prices. Make sure to check the licenses and insurance of your prospective contractor. Check to see if the company is a member of a reputable association, such as the Better Business Bureau, before you invest in a contract.
While most homeowners are taking on small projects, some are looking to do large renovations, such as adding a new bedroom or remodeling the kitchen. The average cost of a home renovation is around $4,838. That’s a lot of money, and it’s likely that your project will have a bigger impact on the resale value of your home than you might think.
You might have noticed that there is a wide range of competition amongst major vendors. They are competing on product portfolios, pricing, and differentiation. However, with the recent entry of private label brands and the growing popularity of do-it-yourself home improvement products, the competition is a bit fiercer.
Another interesting tidbit from the American Housing Survey is that DIY projects accounted for 20% of total spending on home improvement over the past two years. This is the largest proportion of the category since the survey began tracking these statistics seven years ago.
The home improvement industry is booming, and the number of home improvement jobs has risen significantly in the past few years. Even though the economy has been volatile, many homeowners are planning for future projects.