Home improvement is the process by which homeowners renovate their properties to increase their value, adapt them to new uses or extend their lifespans. These projects can be as simple as replacing a light bulb or as complex as an entire kitchen remodel. Many homeowners consider these improvements to be investments, and they may even be able to claim tax deductions on some of the costs. However, not all renovations or improvements offer the same return on investment (ROI), and some may actually decrease property value.

Most homeowners who plan to undertake home improvement projects in the future don’t expect them to make their homes more attractive to prospective buyers, according to a recent survey by NerdWallet. Instead, they are mostly interested in making their homes more comfortable for themselves and their families.

The most common way that people pay for these improvements is with cash, but it’s also possible to borrow against a homeowner’s equity. This can be done with a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, which is similar to a revolving credit card but is secured by the homeowner’s equity in their house. Or, they can take out a second mortgage, which is a lump sum that’s paid over a fixed amount of time.

With the growing risk of extreme weather, it’s not surprising that more and more homeowners are seeking to improve their home to protect against floods, wildfires or strong winds. In fact, this is one of the categories that is surging right now. Other popular projects include installing decks and fences, landscaping and paving driveways.