Home improvement refers to the work that homeowners do to upgrade an existing residential or non-commercial property. It includes both interior and exterior projects.
Home improvements may be carried out for various reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms or spaces, as a means of saving energy, or as a safety measure.
Some of the top home improvement projects include remodeling, renovating, landscaping, fencing, and deck construction. These home improvement projects are designed to improve the livability of a home and increase its value.
When choosing a contractor, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Make sure that the contractor has a license from your local government and has been in business for at least three years.
The contractor you choose should also have experience in the particular project you are interested in. This can help ensure that the work is done to your satisfaction.
In addition, a home improvement contractor should provide a written contract before starting work on your project or accepting payment. This contract should contain the description of the work to be performed, the materials being used and any special instructions or preferences you have.
Home improvement contracts should also include an arbitration clause that will allow you to have the matter resolved in a neutral, third party forum. This is a mandatory requirement in New York state and should be included in any home improvement contract.