Home improvement

For the 1990s television show, starring Tim Allen, see Home Improvement.

Home improvement is the process of renovating or making additions to one's home. Often, a professional handyperson is hired to perform the improvements but, typically, most improvements are done on an amateur DIY basis by the homeowner.

Professional versus do-it-yourself

A homeowner can hire a general contractor to oversee a home improvement project that involves multiple trades. A general contractor acts as project manager, providing access to the site, removing debris, coordinating work schedules, and performing some aspects of the work. Sometimes homeowners bypass the general contractor, and hire tradesmen themselves, including plumbers, electricians and roofers. Another strategy is to "do it yourself" (DIY). Several major American retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowes, specialize in selling materials and tools for DIY home improvement. These stores even host classes and carry numerous books from the very specific to the general in order to educate customers how to do the work themselves.

With the rise of residential renovation has come the rise of the renovation problems . The search for a reputable contractor or trades person is daunting for many homeowners and can be filled with stress. Considering that the home is typically the biggest investment of any family, no homeowner wants to jeopardize their investment in the hands of a "less than reputable" company or person. A typical short checklist might include:

• Slow down. Finding a good contractor takes time and research.
• Remember that the Yellow Pages doesn't make sure a contractor has a license or insurance
• Ask to see Proof of Liability Insurance. Don't accept a contractor's word, require the documentation
• Ask to see a Renovator's License. Many cities require this license so ask for it.
• Ask if your project needs a Building Permit. Remember many projects require a permit from the city government
• Let your home insurance company know. Don't wait until you have a repair claim or you might not have coverage
  

Types of home improvement

• Wallpapering and painting walls or installing wood paneling.
• Adding new flooring such as carpets, tiling, linoleum, wood flooring, or solid hardwood flooring.
• Upgrading cabinets, fixtures, and sinks in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Repairing or increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
• Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
• Roof tear-off and replacement.
• Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
• Waterproofing basements.
• Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.
• Replacing siding and windows, both as a cosmetic improvement and as a way to save energy.
• Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms or attics into spare bedrooms.
• Reducing utility costs with:
  • Energy-efficient insulation, windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building)
• Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof.
• Improving the backyard with sliding doors, wooden patio decks, patio gardens, jacuzzis, swimming pools, and fencing.
• Emergency preparedness safety measures such as:
  • Home fire and burglar alarm systems.
  • Security doors, windows, and shutters.
  • Storm cellars as protection from tornadoes and hurricanes.
  • Bombshelters especially during the 1950s as protection from nuclear war.

The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does the DIY Channel.

References

• Litchfield, Michael (2005). Renovation 3rd Edition. Taunton Press. ISBN 1-56158-588-2.

See also

• Home repair
• Refurbishment
• Repair and maintenance

External links

• National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council
• National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
• Information on home improvement, repairs and maintenance including how to's and help forums
• Home Improvement and Living information
• Home Improvement tips and information
• help and information on home improvements and loft conversions
• Terms & Definitions Homeowners Should Know
• HomeImprovementShare.com A home improvement wiki. Includes articles on home automation.