Home improvement is an activity that many people undertake for various reasons. It can increase the comfort or enjoyment of a home and may help it to be more attractive to future buyers.
The term ‘home improvement’ can be traced to the late 19th century when construction and repair work became a hobby for many Americans. During the early decades of the 20th century, the home improvement industry was primarily a male pursuit.
A variety of tools and other items promoting the activity were introduced to American households. In addition to the toolmakers, many magazines and cable television programs promoted home improvement activities as a leisure pastime.
It has been estimated that between 80% and 90% of American families engage in some form of home improvement activities.
Increasingly, homeowners are undertaking home improvements as an investment in their homes rather than as a personal pastime or leisure pursuit. Whether as a result of rock-bottom interest rates, a desire to improve one’s living space or simply because home owners want to make their homes more livable and appealing, there has been a recent uptick in the number of home improvement projects being undertaken by American consumers.
Those seeking to maximize the value of their home should focus on home upgrades that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers and be attractive in the current real estate market. Examples include a kitchen with quality appliances and mid-range flooring, as opposed to one with high-end upgrades such as marble or granite. Also, don’t go wild with your backyard landscaping or add an expensive fountain, as this can stand out from the rest of your neighbors and negatively impact the value of your home.
