Home improvement, also known as house renovation or remodelling, is the process of changing an existing structure of a home or building to improve its function and appearance. These changes may be small or large-scale and can include an entire room or a whole house. Home improvements can be made for a variety of reasons, including increasing the value of the property, improving comfort or resolving safety issues. Home improvement projects are often complicated and time-consuming, but they don’t have to be. A little planning and elbow grease can help you complete a project quickly and within budget.
While homeowners have been enchanted with making home improvements for millennia, the practice really became popular after World War II. Government mortgage insurance programs for veterans, along with suburban expansion and the emergence of large builders like Levitt and Sons, promoted home buying and construction. Home improvement became a leisure activity that allowed men to use traditional male tools (saws, hammers and screwdrivers) and reinforce their masculine identity.
While many people jump into home improvement projects with good intentions, they can sometimes get carried away and overspend. That’s why it is important to consider how any new upgrades will impact your home’s resale value and overall aesthetic before starting a project. Also, remember to update your home insurance policy as your home’s value increases. If you’re not sure about your home’s current value, talk to a real estate agent for an appraisal.