Home improvement is a popular pastime for many homeowners. However, it’s important to know which projects will add value to your home and which ones are a waste of time. It’s also important to consider your financial situation when deciding which projects to undertake. Some projects, such as a kitchen remodel, can be expensive and may require financing.
According to the American Housing Survey, home improvement spending rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the second year after the pandemic ended, home improvement spending slowed. Rising prices appear to be the main reason for this shift in consumer behavior, as consumers are now more cautious about undertaking a major home renovation project that could cost them more than they can afford to spend.
Despite this, consumers do have an appetite for lower-cost projects they can complete on their own. This is evidenced by the strong sales of DIY products such as paint, tools and hardware. Moreover, the popularity of DIY shows such as HGTV has inspired many people to try their hand at renovating their own homes.
The majority of homeowners planning home improvements in the near future say their motivation is to make their homes more comfortable. In addition, they also want to feel better about their homes (52%). Despite these positive motives, only 20% of homeowners plan to improve their home’s appearance in order to attract prospective buyers. Moreover, the majority of the improvement projects planned by homeowners aren’t meant to be permanent. Hence, they will likely be abandoned if the economy turns for the worse.
When it comes to home improvement, most projects offer a return on investment of less than 100%. Nevertheless, some of these improvements do add value to your home, especially those that are easy and affordable to do. For instance, a simple yard upgrade such as adding new flowers or landscaping can add up to a considerable amount of value to your property.
One common mistake that homeowners make is to over-improve their homes, which can deter prospective buyers. It is important to keep in mind that most buyers are looking for houses that are comparable with those in the neighborhood. Therefore, it is advisable to stick with low-cost upgrades and to avoid making your house stand out from the rest.
Whether you’re planning on selling your home in the future or just want to make it look its best, it is essential that you know which upgrades will be worth the effort and money. Some projects will simply not add value to your home, either because they’re too personalized or because they don’t fit with the style of your neighborhood. This includes things such as marble flooring, which is not likely to appeal to most buyers. Another example is converting your garage into an extra living space, which will not attract most potential buyers. However, some projects will have a more dramatic effect on your home’s resale value, such as replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.