Home improvement is a huge industry that has seen excellent growth results in recent years. In addition to the sale of building materials, appliances and decor, this market includes contractors, laborers and tradespeople who perform work on homes. Home improvements include repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, renovation, modernization and expansion of the whole or any part of a residential building. It also includes construction or erection of driveways, swimming pools, patios, landscaping, fences and porches.
According to a recent report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, spending on home improvement has increased dramatically since 2010. This increase in spending is being driven mostly by homeowners who are 55 and older. In addition, rock-bottom interest rates are making it more affordable for homeowners to spend money on home improvement projects.
While many home improvement projects do add value to a property, not all do so. Some homeowners make the mistake of over-improving their home, which can actually detract from its value and even decrease it. In order to maximize your home’s value, you should only do improvements that will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. If you’re not sure which projects will increase your home’s resale value, it may be helpful to consult with an interior designer.
There are several low-cost, do-it-yourself ways to improve your home that will have a significant impact on its overall value. For example, painting the exterior of your house will not only boost its curb appeal, but it will also show prospective buyers that the home has been well-maintained and cared for. In addition, minor kitchen upgrades such as re-grouting tile and painting cabinets are relatively inexpensive, but can have a major impact on your home’s value.
Adding living space to your home will increase its resale value and improve the quality of life for your family members. However, it is important to keep in mind that adding living space will also increase the cost of the project and may not always be a good investment. In addition, you should consider the amount of time that you plan to stay in your home before deciding on any major renovations.
Home improvement shows have been very popular over the past few decades and there are still a number of successful series in production. In 2003, Tim Allen, Richard Karn and Casey Sander reunited for a TV special called Tim Allen Presents: A User’s Guide to Home Improvement, which included favorite clips from the show as well as behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections from the cast. A musical performance of the show’s theme song, an early 1960s-style saxophone-dominated instrumental rock tune, was included in the special as well. The reunion was filmed in front of a live audience and aired on ABC. In 1998, Jonathan Taylor Thomas left the show to focus on his education. However, he did return for the eighth season’s Christmas episode. In his final appearance on the show, he performed the song “Adios” as his character Randy Wilson left for an environmental study program in Costa Rica.