Home improvement is a great way to add value and beauty to your home. The key is to be smart when it comes to making upgrades. Here are some tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to home improvement:
Get a List of Work You Want Done
It is important that you know exactly what home improvement projects you need done and how much each project will cost. This will make it easy to compare prices and choose the right contractor for your needs. You should also ensure that your chosen contractor is licensed and insured.
Consider Using a Credit Card for Minimal Upgrades
Many credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR period, which can be a good option for a minimal upgrade that you would like to pay for over time. A few cards also offer cashback rewards that can be applied towards your home improvements.
Keep in mind that not all home improvement projects can be covered by a credit card. Some are best paid for with a home equity loan, which can be helpful if you need more money than you have available in your current mortgage balance.
Be Aware of Those Who Are Not Locally Based
The best place to find a reliable home improvement contractor is to talk with friends and family who have had similar work done. Ask for references and check that the company is a licensed, insured business.
Look for contractors that are locally based, have a proven track record and stand by their work. This will protect you from the pitfalls of unlicensed or subpar contractors that can be more expensive and cause problems for your home later on.
Aggregators
If you don’t have a lot of home improvement experience, it may be a good idea to hire an aggregator. These companies typically bundle home improvement services and act as an intermediary between service providers and customers. They are usually competitive in price and stand by their warranties.
Chain Stores
National, regional and local chain stores often have their own home improvement departments. These are usually a good choice for large or complicated projects, as they usually use reputable contractors and have a fixed office location.
Commercial Locations
These are firms that specialize in home improvement work and have a fixed location, usually a small shop, in a commercial area. These are usually family-owned businesses that have a reputation for quality work and stand by their warranties.
Generally, these are reliable, competitive in price and can be expected to remain in business for a number of years. They tend to be slightly more expensive than local home improvement shops, but they are often better equipped and will have a longer warranty.
You can even find a company that will do your entire project for you!
Do Your Research
While it is not uncommon for a home improvement company to advertise on TV, you should always check references. Doing this will save you a great deal of time and frustration in the long run.