Home improvement projects are a great way to increase the value of your home, but can also make your life a little bit more comfortable. In fact, a recent study by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies found that more than a third of homeowners plan to spend at least a month on a home remodeling project in 2021.
While some homeowners plan to hire a contractor, others will complete a DIY project. According to Axiom, a Minneapolis marketing firm, the percentage of consumers planning to DIY a project increased significantly in the past year.
While there are a lot of different options for financing a home improvement project, a personal loan may be a good alternative for people with good to excellent credit. However, because there is no collateral, you will likely have a higher interest rate than you would with a conventional home equity loan.
One of the key things to keep in mind when considering a home equity loan is that the amount you can borrow is limited to 85% of your home’s value. This limit can vary depending on the state in which you live.
If you do decide to hire a contractor, you will want to make sure they are licensed. You should also check their insurance and references. Asking your neighbors about the work they’ve done with contractors is a great way to get a sense of their professionalism and results.
Some of the most popular home improvement categories include work in the backyard, including landscaping and fencing. Although you might think that a beautiful backyard paradise will improve your home’s value, it might not be the best option.