Home improvement refers to the repairing, remodeling, or altering of residential real property. This includes work like replacing the roof, repaving the driveway or installing a fence as well as projects that add space by adding on or renovating rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
When it comes to completing these types of projects, most homeowners are usually aware that they can be expensive. What may not be as obvious is that the costs can go far beyond the original estimate. This is often because unexpected problems arise during the project such as rotten floorboards and faulty shingles that need to be replaced, according to a 2021 survey from NerdWallet.
Whether you are planning for a major renovation or simply updating your bathroom fixtures, it is best to have a clear idea of the budget that you intend to stick to. That will help ensure that the finished product is what you expected and avoids costly surprises that can leave you with an unfinished project or even debt.
It is also important to compare contractors when choosing a service provider for your project. While price is a factor, it is also important to consider factors such as the company’s reputation and experience.
A good home improvement contractor will be licensed, bonded and insured. They should be able to provide proof of insurance and a copy of their MHIC license number prior to starting the project. Additionally, they should have a written contract with the customer that contains all of the project details and cost information. This should be signed by the contractor and customer and dated.