What Is Home Improvement?

There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes and if you’re a homeowner, home repair or improvement projects. Even if you don’t actively plan to tackle them, they can still come knocking on your door in the form of a leaky roof or a clogged drain. But whether you’re planning to sell your house or just want to make it more comfortable for yourself and your family, jumping headfirst into a renovation without a well-thought-out budget is a surefire way to overspend.

What Is Home Improvement?

The term “home improvement” is broadly defined to include any work you do on your property that makes it more valuable. This can be anything from painting to resurfacing your driveway, and can also include adding features like swimming pools or porches. However, there are some states that have specific regulations regarding what can be considered a home improvement. For example, in New York, if you hire someone to paint your home you will have to pay sales tax on the materials they use unless you can provide documentation that it is a capital improvement project.

It’s important to remember that not all contractors are created equal. Not only will the price you’re quoted vary widely, but so will the quality of the work and how quickly it gets done. That’s why it’s essential to find a contractor you trust — and not just go with the lowest bid. You can do this by comparing prices, experience, reputation and more.