Home improvement is a term used to describe any work done on a house to make it more appealing or comfortable. It can include exterior, interior, and garden improvements. Some projects are personal, while others are performed for a business or profit.

When a home owner is planning on doing some remodeling, they should first create a list of the work they intend to do. Then they should compare the price and timeline of different contractors.

A new front door, landscaping, and fences are some of the most popular home improvement projects. However, if a homeowner is looking to improve a home’s value, they should focus on more sophisticated upgrades.

If you plan to use a contractor to perform home improvements, it is important to check if they are licensed. In addition, they should have insurance and references.

Another important step is to create a written contract. This should include the project’s description and timing, and how payments will be made. Additionally, it should have an escrow account, where the contractor only makes payments until the job is finished.

In general, spending on your home is a comforting investment in these uncertain times. But, be sure to avoid wasting money by engaging in illegal practices. For instance, a subcontractor who works for an unlicensed general contractor forfeits the right to recover money from the homeowner.

Other potential penalties for doing “home improvement” without a license include civil fines of up to $500. And, in some counties, the act is a Class A misdemeanor.