Home improvement is the repair, maintenance, remodelling or upgrade of residential real property. This includes the construction or repair of a swimming pool, shed, deck or fence. It also refers to the improvement of a kitchen, bathroom, driveway or garage. The term can also be used to describe the process of buying and selling a home.

Whether you’re remodeling your whole house or just painting a room, the right home improvement project can give your property a boost. But not all projects are created equal. Some can actually decrease your home’s resale value. So before you start putting down new floors and ripping out cabinets, talk to your realtor about which upgrades will add the most value and help you get top dollar when it comes time to sell.

A slew of factors is making home improvements more popular. Rock-bottom interest rates have made mortgages cheaper, and consumers are more willing to spend money on their houses than they were just a few years ago. Also, in unsettling times, spending on a project that will make your house more comfortable is a good investment. And finally, contractors are booming, with business surging in categories like deck and fence construction.

Before you hire a contractor to do any home improvement work, get estimates from several different companies. Pricing varies widely, but don’t be lured by the lowest bid alone. Ask potential contractors for references from previous customers and check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out how many complaints have been filed against them. It’s also a good idea to find out whether the company is licensed and insured.