Home improvement is a broad term used to refer to any renovation or remodelling of an existing residence. This can include a change in interior design, reworking the structure and layout of the home, adding new rooms or a new roof, and upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

The popularity of DIY TV shows like Fixer Upper and This Old House has fueled interest in home renovations, but it’s one thing to watch the show and another to take on a project yourself. There are a lot of considerations to make, including whether you’re planning on selling your home in the near future or simply improving it to live more comfortably.

Generally speaking, home improvements add value to your property and help you avoid costly repair bills in the future. However, the type of home improvement you choose to do will have a direct impact on how much it increases your home’s value. For example, installing high-end appliances or expensive landscaping can hurt your home’s resale value.

It’s also important to choose the right contractors for your home improvement projects. It’s recommended to perform a thorough background check and verify license and insurance before hiring anyone to work on your home. It’s also wise to establish a payment schedule and to ensure that any contractor you hire provides you with a written contract specifying all aspects of the work to be done, including materials and cost. Also, don’t forget to update your home insurance policy after any major renovations.