Home improvement involves any type of work that you do on your home to make it look better, feel more comfortable or function better. It could be as simple as painting a wall, or as complex as building a new addition to your house. No matter the extent of the project, a lot of planning and research is needed to make sure that you are getting it done right.
How Do I Get Started?
The easiest way to start a home improvement project is to put together a detailed list of the things that need to be improved. This will help you plan out the project and keep track of the time it will take to complete it.
Once you have your list, you can start looking for contractors that specialize in the types of work you need. These will typically be licensed and insured. They are often a more cost-effective alternative to hiring a general contractor, and they can be a good source of guidance during your project.
Before hiring a contractor, check out the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Affairs. This will help you avoid a scam or an unlicensed company. You can also ask to see a license or a certificate of insurance. In addition, if you are not sure who to hire, look for a business that has been in business for years.
If you are a DIYer, consider renovating instead of remodeling. This will give you more control over the design of your project, and allow you to save money. It is possible to do a renovation without any experience, but if you’re going to hire someone to do it for you, ensure that they have the proper certifications.
Some states have laws that protect you from having to pay for work that isn’t completed or does not meet your expectations. This is called the right-to-repair law. This law allows homeowners to bring a dispute with their contractor before the state’s attorney general’s office.
In the event that you do decide to hire a contractor, it is important to have a contract in place. This will provide you with a timeline for the work to be completed and a payment schedule. It should also include the type of materials and the brands that will be used in the job. You may also want to include warranties for the materials and work done.
Your contractor should always have a copy of the contract on hand and you should be able to sign it before they begin any work. Generally, you will be required to deposit at least a third of the total cost in advance, but you can negotiate other terms.
The amount of money you spend on your renovation project will determine the return you receive from it. For example, if you spend $30,000 on your renovation and it adds $100,000 to your home’s value, you can expect to recoup the full cost of the investment.
