Home Improvement
Investigate the topic of home improvement as a leisure activity, which is any project designed to make one’s home (e.g., house, condo, apartment) better, bigger, or more modern. The term home improvement may also include conducting necessary repairs around the home without the help of a contractor. Examples of home improvement projects include adding an addition to the home or finishing the basement, as well as landscape work around the house. Many people associate home improvement with “do-it-yourself,” or “DIY.”
Home improvement projects may involve any number of construction-related activities, such as carpentry, electrical work, drywall repair or installation, plumbing, roofing, and tiling. Many homeowners who engage in home improvement projects enjoy the challenge of learning the new skills needed for the work, which can be gleaned from an enormous variety of books, television shows, and YouTube “how-to” videos. An added benefit is the lower cost of “do-it-yourself” projects. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s cater to the needs of do-it-yourselfers. During COVID-19, DIY home improvement, remodeling, and repair projects increased in popularity. eBook and database resources meet the needs of those seeking to learn how to fix common home issues and tackle DIY projects. Learning home maintenance can result in cost savings, increased energy efficiency, and curb appeal improvement.
Many homeowners find inspiration from the popularity of the HGTV (Home & Garden Television) channel, on which shows that remodel and renovate homes have the biggest ratings, such as Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop. These shows sometimes include a real estate component, in which renovations are made in order to sell a home at a profit. The concept of completing house renovations as a money-making venture, known as “house flipping,” began in the late 1980s when people began to rehab older homes and sell them for more than they paid. Resources that help people learn remodeling, gardening, and landscaping will appeal to the professional as well as the homeowner. People looking to increase their home value or explore decorating may not know where to start, and may simply need ideas to inspire a refreshed interior design. Others may need advice on seeking a professional contractor or obtaining a free estimate.
