Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or simply want to make it more comfortable, there are plenty of projects you can tackle. The key is to choose the right ones, keeping cost in mind. It’s also important to consider if you plan on moving in the future. If so, it’s best to make improvements that are a good fit for your lifestyle and neighborhood.
A home improvement project is any alteration, addition, modification or repair to a dwelling, its fixtures and appurtenances, such as driveways, sidewalks, swimming pools, unattached structures and the like. In the United States, it also includes kitchens, bathrooms, painting or coating, repairing or replacing floors and windows, doors, electrical wiring or systems, plumbing fixtures or appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Most homeowners aren’t planning to sell their homes, but that doesn’t mean they’re not upgrading. The biggest reason homeowners say they’re taking on upcoming projects is to make their home more comfortable (54%). Next on the list are making it look better (48%), and improving its functionality (39%).
But before you get started, it’s essential to think about how much these improvements will cost. If you’re not careful, you could overspend or even go into debt while making your home more livable. It’s a good idea to talk to a real estate agent before beginning any major renovations, too. They can tell you which improvements are likely to pay off the most in terms of resale value and which will be a waste of money.
Fortunately, most homeowners have the means to pay for their home improvement projects. About 3 in 5 homeowners who completed projects during the pandemic did so without having to sacrifice other expenses or dip into savings, according to a NerdWallet survey. And many of these projects can be completed by a homeowner with a bit of know-how and the help of some friends.
Home improvement is a popular pastime, but some of these projects can be incredibly costly. And some of these expensive upgrades can actually lower your property’s value when it comes time to sell.
NerdWallet analyzed data from the Home Price Index to determine which home improvements have the biggest impact on a house’s resale value. Among the highest impact projects are:
A remodeled bathroom, updated kitchen or new driveway can increase a home’s value by as much as 8%. But some costly home improvements don’t pay off, especially if they aren’t done correctly.
The eighth and final season of Home Improvement aired from September 29 to December 8, 1998. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who played Randy on the show, left for an environmental study program in Costa Rica in the finale episode “Adios.” His character was written out of the series for the remainder of its run and only appeared in archived footage for the series’ conclusion. He later starred in the film Speedway Junky.