Home improvement is a term that covers all kinds of repairs, renovations and improvements. It is an important aspect of any homeowner’s life, as it allows them to enjoy their home and increase its resale value.
Homeowners have spent billions of dollars on home improvement projects in the past decade. According to the latest American Housing Survey, that figure doubled between 2013 and 2021.
The survey asks homeowners to self-report how much they have spent on their homes’ repair and maintenance over the past two years. It does not break out renovations by scale, scope or quality of materials.
Having a clear idea of what you need to have done will help you easily compare contractors and negotiate prices. It will also help you avoid surprises that can be very costly.
If you don’t have a clear vision of what you need to do, it can be easy for a contractor to convince you to add on to the original scope or make other changes that may not be necessary, which can cost you money.
When choosing a contractor, it is important to find one that you feel comfortable with and can trust to complete the work on time and within your budget. It is a good idea to interview a few contractors and make sure that they have the appropriate licenses and insurance to perform the work that you need.
In addition, you should be sure to read over the contract before signing it to ensure that all of the terms are clear and agreeable. Many contracts contain arbitration clauses that require parties to bring their disputes before an arbitrator. This will prevent you from having to go through the legal process of suing your contractor or settling a dispute out of court.
The Arbitration clause should include the name of the organization that will conduct the arbitration; any mandatory fees; the amount of the fee; the date that the arbitration will begin and end; whether the parties have the right to appeal the decision; and a statement that the arbitrator will stay the proceedings until both sides agree on a settlement or resolution.
You should also make sure to check with your state and CPA for any sales tax that is required before you sign the contract. Some states have a cap on how much they will tax a home improvement project, and some will exempt certain amounts.
It is also a good idea to ask the contractor for references from previous clients, as they can give you a better idea of their professionalism and ability to complete a job on time and within your budget.
Once you have chosen a home improvement company to work with, it is important to choose a name that resonates with your needs and tastes. This is crucial because it will have a huge impact on your brand and customer retention.
If you do decide to hire a contractor, be sure to check with your local consumer protection agency or other authorities to determine whether there is any illegal activity going on in your area. You should also consider contacting your local building and codes office to see if any permits or inspections are required for your home improvement project.