Home improvement is anything done to make a house better, whether it’s painting or adding an addition. It can be expensive, but there are ways to keep the costs down. For example, a homeowner can use paint instead of expensive flooring or cabinets. A simple paint job can transform a room and cost less than $150, including supplies.

Some house renovations will increase a home’s value, but others may actually decrease the resale price. To determine which projects are worth the investment, it is important to look at what buyers will want in a home. For example, a home office may appeal to business people but will be less attractive to young families.

If you are thinking of doing a home improvement, it’s important to make a list of what work needs to be done and to be specific about each item. This will help you negotiate with contractors and lock in firm prices. It will also help you ferret out unscrupulous contractors who may try to convince you to do more work than is necessary or to skip inspections and permits.

It is also important to check with a home insurance pro before starting any home improvements to ensure that your current policy will provide adequate coverage. It’s also a good idea to update your home insurance once any renovations are complete. This will ensure that you are covered should any damage occur during the course of the project or if a contractor goes bankrupt and cannot finish the work.