Home improvement is any renovation or remodelling work done on a house, including kitchens, bathrooms and basements, that increases the comfort of living there. It can also add value to a property, and some projects even increase the safety of a residence. It can be as simple as painting a room, or as complicated as putting in new floors.

Home improvements have been a popular activity since World War II. Government mortgage insurance programs encouraged homeowners to renovate, and suburban builders like Levitt and Sons dominated the construction industry as the postwar recovery took off.

Today, many people are doing more home improvements than ever before. About 3 in 5 homeowners have completed a project since the beginning of the pandemic, and spent $6,438, on average, according to NerdWallet’s Home Improvement Survey. More time at home has allowed some people to tackle projects they would not have otherwise done, and some said they felt compelled to improve their homes because of the pandemic’s social distancing measures.

Some home improvements, such as a new kitchen or bathroom, can significantly boost a home’s resale value, but other renovations won’t pay off. If you’re planning a large project, be sure to consult with a real estate professional and consider how it might impact potential buyers in your area.

The popularity of television home improvement shows has helped fuel the DIY movement. For example, the show Bob Vila introduced a broader audience to carpentry and other home improvement projects, while shows such as Trading Spaces have blurred the line between traditionally male-dominated areas of repair and design.