Home improvement includes the remodeling, altering, painting, repairing, renovating, or restoring of residential or noncommercial property. It also covers the installation of insulation, windows, doors, roofs, flooring, and appliances. Some home improvements, such as installing a heat pump or new air conditioning system, can increase energy efficiency and save money on heating and cooling costs.

While some improvements add value and are worth the expense, others may not. A hot tub in the backyard or a fancy fountain may stand out and make your house look out of place in the neighborhood. It’s best to talk with a real estate professional before making big upgrades that could turn out to be a bad investment.

It’s also important to think about safety when tackling home projects. Always follow directions and use caution, especially when working with electricity or plumbing. If you are not comfortable working on certain home improvements, consider hiring a contractor to do it for you.

The type of contractor you hire for your home improvement project will influence the cost and time it takes to complete the work. The most common types of contractors are: