Home improvement, also known as residential remodeling or renovation, encompasses a broad range of improvements made to the interior and exterior of a home. It includes repairs, alterations, and additions, as well as landscaping or yard work. Some home improvements are intended to increase a home’s value when it is time to sell, while others are purely for enjoyment. Home improvement can be expensive, but it is usually an excellent investment.

The home improvement industry has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As homeowners were confined to their homes, many took advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their living spaces and create more entertainment and working from home space. This boosted the satisfaction of these homeowners with their residences and was good for the economy.

However, homeowners should be wary of the projects that will not yield the best return on their investment when it comes to selling their home. The most common projects that do not add much resale value are sparkling bathroom overhauls, basement remodels and kitchen updates.

The projects that are surging the most are those that involve the exterior of a home, with deck construction up more than threefold and fence construction up more than 144%. These projects are a great way to update the look of a home, and they have been shown to boost both homeowner happiness and curb appeal.