Home Improvement 101

Home improvement

Home improvement is a broad category that includes everything from landscaping to minor repairs and upgrades. It is a great way to freshen up a space and give it a new look.

There are two main categories of home improvements: interior and exterior. The most popular categories involve work outside of the home.

When making improvements to a home, homeowners should be sure they hire a licensed contractor. This is because engaging in “home improvement” without a license is a Class A misdemeanor in many counties.

Home owners should also compare the prices of contractors. Make a list of the work that needs to be done and compare the proposed timelines. You should also make sure that the contractor has insurance and a license.

Many people do not know that they need a contractor’s license if they are doing a major remodeling project. For more information, contact your county’s building code office.

If you are planning to do a major home improvement project, it may be worth considering a personal loan. Government-issued home improvement loans differ from state to state. Usually, the homeowner has to borrow up to 85% of the value of the property.

Another important consideration is establishing a payment schedule. This can include an initial down payment or incremental payments until the work is finished.

The best way to find a good contractor is to ask for references. Ask friends and neighbors if they have used a contractor recently.