Home improvement is the repair, renovation, alteration, conversion or modernization of a dwelling house or any attached or detached structure to improve its appearance or fit for use. It also includes the construction, replacement or improvement of driveways, sidewalks, patios, fences, porches and decks.
Some improvements are needed because of safety issues like a broken roof or a faulty electrical system, while others are simply based on improving the way your home looks and functions for you and your family. However, you need to think about what will increase the value of your home if you plan to sell it in the future.
The most popular home renovation projects are sparkling bathroom makeovers, followed by kitchen renovations. But they are not always worth the money: On average, homeowners only get back about 60% of their investment on these improvements when it comes time to sell, according to a new report.
If you’re planning a major home improvement project, talk to your real estate agent about it before getting started. You’ll want to choose upgrades that will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers, and avoid those that are overly personalized or don’t match the style of your neighborhood.
Some over-personalized improvements can actually hurt resale value, says Bob Gordon, an agent with Coldwell Banker in Boulder. For example, a tree that sheds leaves constantly decreases curb appeal, but you can replace it with a more attractive choice, such as a crepe myrtle, Eastern red cedar or Colorado blue spruce, he says.