Home improvement is a huge industry in the United States. During the last two years, American homeowners undertook some 135 million projects and spent about $624 billion. Many homeowners are planning to spend even more in the future, despite concerns about inflation and a potential recession.

Most of the projects people are thinking about include renovations to existing rooms, such as painting and replacing light fixtures. But a good number of people are also considering making bigger changes, including adding an addition or building a deck. And some are interested in converting garages into living space.

Some improvements are expected to increase home values in the short term, while others will have less of an impact. But what’s true for all of them is that they’re a great way to improve the look and feel of a property. The good news is that a lot of these projects are easy to complete with little more than a toolbox and some patience.

The fastest-growing categories of projects involve work outside the house, such as building decks and putting up fences. This may be a reflection of the fact that some people are seeking refuge from the uncertainty in the financial markets and their own personal lives by focusing on things they can control, such as their home. The other big reason for the rise in outdoor projects is rock-bottom interest rates that make them more attractive to do. But it’s important to remember that renovating solely based on the desire to make money when you sell can backfire in the long run.