Article

Ultimate Guide: Understanding Home Improvements

February 3, 2025
A man steadies a ladder for a woman who is reaching up to paint a wall in a bright room with covered furniture.

Home improvements are any changes made to a house to make it better. These changes can focus on fixing problems, making the home look nicer, or even helping it save energy. For example, painting walls, upgrading your kitchen, or adding solar panels are all home improvements.

The main reasons people make home improvements are to make their homes more comfortable, increase their value, or adapt them to their personal style. According to Angie’s List, the home improvement market grew 26% in 2023 and is now worth $475 billion.

As a team of experienced professionals, Seanote Construction takes on the tough jobs with honesty and care. Whether it’s renovating your space or a home addition, we stand behind our work, offering transparency, communication, and unmatched quality. 

5 Types of Home Improvements

Home improvements include structural changes, cosmetic enhancements, energy efficiency upgrades, outdoor improvements, and safety and accessibility upgrades. Some focus on making your house look great, while others improve how it works or make it safer. Here are the 5 main types:

1. Structural Changes

These involve major updates to the layout or structure of your home:

  • Additions: Adding rooms, like a bedroom or garage, to create more space.
  • Renovations: Updating older parts of the house, like turning a basement into a living room.

2. Aesthetic Enhancements

These focus on how your home looks:

  • Painting: Adding fresh colors to walls or ceilings.
  • Flooring: Replacing carpets with hardwood, tiles, or other materials.
  • Decorative Touches: Installing new light fixtures or upgrading cabinets.

3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

These save money and help the environment:

  • Insulation: Adding or upgrading insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
  • Solar Panels: Using the sun’s power to lower electricity bills.
  • Energy-Efficient Windows: Replacing old windows with ones that keep heat in or out more effectively.

4. Outdoor Improvements

Yard and exterior projects are also considered home renovations:

  • Landscaping: Planting trees, flowers, or creating garden paths.
  • Decks and Patios: Adding outdoor areas for relaxing or entertaining.
  • Fences and Gates: Improving privacy or security.

5. Safety and Accessibility Upgrades

These make sure everyone can live comfortably and safely:

  • Fire Alarms and Detectors: Important for safety and maintaining regulations.
  • Grab Bars and Ramps: Helping people with mobility challenges.
  • Reinforced Doors and Locks: Protecting your home from intruders.

5 Benefits of Home Improvements

A man wearing a plaid shirt and baseball cap uses an extension roller to paint a high wall in an unfinished room with plastic-covered windows.

Home improvements aren’t just about the money—they’re about creating a home you’ll love living in every day. Some of the benefits of home improvements include increased property value, better living experience, energy savings, safety and security, and personal satisfaction.

1. Increased Property Value

Home improvements can boost the value of your house, especially if you’re planning to sell. Projects like:

  • Kitchen Remodels: According to Angie’s List, kitchen remodels can add an average ROI (return on investment) ranging from 50% to 96%.
  • Bathroom Upgrades: Often have a high return on investment (ROI).

2. Better Living Experience

Improving your home can make it more enjoyable and comfortable to live in:

  • More Space: Adding a room gives you space for work, hobbies, or guests.
  • Modern Features: New fixtures, floors, and appliances make everyday life easier and more pleasant.

3. Energy Savings

Energy-efficient upgrades save money on utility bills and help the planet:

  • Efficient Appliances: Save on electricity and water costs.
  • Solar Power: Cuts down on electricity costs over time.

4. Safety and Security

Some upgrades protect your family and belongings:

  • Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Provide peace of mind.
  • Reinforced Doors and Windows: Add extra protection.

5. Personal Satisfaction

Customizing your home to match your style feels rewarding:

  • A fresh coat of paint or a new layout makes your home feel uniquely yours.
  • Projects like a backyard deck or garden add fun and relaxation to your space.

Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?

The difference between renovation and remodeling is that renovation involves restoring or updating, while remodeling involves changing the structure of a space. They sound similar, but they mean different things. Here’s how they compare:

Renovation

Renovation means restoring or updating something to make it look or work better without changing its structure. Renovations are usually quicker and cost less than remodels because they don’t involve major changes. Examples include:

  • Repainting Walls
  • Refinishing Floors
  • Upgrading Fixtures

Remodel

Remodeling involves changing the structure, layout, or purpose of a space. It’s more about transformation than repair. Remodels take more time, planning, and money since they involve big changes and often require permits. Examples include:

  • Knocking Down Walls
  • Adding Rooms
  • Changing Floor Plans

Financial Aspects of Home Improvements

Planning your budget and understanding your options can help you make smart decisions.

Budgeting Tips

  • Set Priorities: Focus on improvements with the highest ROI, like kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Plan for Extras: Save an extra 10–20% for unexpected costs.

What Are Some Financing Options?

If you need help covering costs, there are several options:

  • Savings: Using your own funds is often the cheapest option.
  • Home Equity Loans: Borrow against the value of your home for larger projects.
  • Personal Loans: Ideal for smaller, quicker updates.

What Are Some Home Improvement Tax Benefits?

Some home improvements can save you money on taxes:

  • Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Solar panels, windows, and insulation may qualify for tax credits.
  • Medical Necessities: Ramps or grab bars might count as deductible expenses if medically required.

Cost vs. Value

Planning your finances carefully allows for your home improvements fit your budget while still meeting your goals. Remember, not all projects have the same ROI. Focus on those that add lasting value:

  • High ROI: Kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Moderate ROI: Landscaping or minor room updates.

DIY vs. Professional Help

Two people stand in a log cabin-style room under renovation, with one holding a tablet while the other points upward during what appears to be an inspection or planning discussion.

When planning home improvements, you’ll need to decide whether to do the work yourself or hire professionals.

DIY Home Improvements

Doing it yourself can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Common DIY projects include painting walls, installing shelves, and gardening/landscaping. Here are the pros and cons of doing DIY projects: 

Pros:

  • Lower costs since you don’t pay for labor.
  • Full control over the project timeline.
  • Opportunity to learn new skills.

Cons:

  • Requires time, effort, and patience.
  • Mistakes can lead to higher costs later.
  • Limited to projects that match your skill level.

Hiring Professionals

For larger or more complex projects, hiring professionals is the safer option. Professionals are best for structural changes, electrical/plumbing work, and other major renovations. Here are the pros and cons for hiring a professional:

Pros:

  • Guaranteed quality and skilled knowledge.
  • Saves time on big jobs.
  • Professionals handle permits and inspections.

Cons:

  • Higher costs due to labor fees.
  • Less control over the process and timeline.

6 Popular Home Improvement Trends

Today’s home improvements reflect modern lifestyles, priorities, and technology. These trends reflect a mix of innovation, sustainability, and functionality, showing how home improvements are adapting to today’s needs and preferences.

1. Smart Home Technology

  • Devices: Smart thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems allow for automation and remote control.
  • Benefits: Increased convenience, energy savings, and enhanced security.

2. Sustainable Upgrades

  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paints.
  • Energy Efficiency: Solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and better insulation reduce utility costs and environmental impact.

3. Outdoor Living Spaces

  • Features: Patios, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas.
  • Purpose: Expanding living space for relaxation, entertainment, or gardening.

4. Open-Concept Living

  • Design: Removing walls to create airy, interconnected spaces.
  • Why It’s Popular: Encourages family interaction and makes smaller homes feel larger.

5. Wellness Spaces

  • Inclusion: Home gyms, meditation rooms, or spa-like bathrooms.
  • Goal: To promote health and relaxation at home.

6. Multifunctional Rooms

  • Examples: Combining home offices with guest rooms or adding Murphy beds to create flexible spaces.
  • Trend Drivers: Remote work and limited space in urban homes..

Common Challenges in Home Improvements

Some common challenges in home improvements include cost overruns, timeline delays, permits and regulations, DIY mistakes, disruption to daily life, and choosing the wrong contractors.

Home improvements can be rewarding,  but they often come with obstacles. Knowing these challenges can help you plan better and avoid costly mistakes. Addressing these challenges upfront can make your home improvement journey smoother and more successful.

Cost Overruns

  • Why It Happens: Unexpected expenses like material price hikes or hidden damage (e.g., mold or wiring issues).
  • How to Prevent:
    • Set aside a contingency fund (10–20% of the budget).
    • Get detailed estimates from contractors.

Timeline Delays

  • Causes: Weather, contractor availability, or supply chain disruptions.
  • Solutions:
    • Choose reliable contractors with good reviews.
    • Order materials early to avoid delays.

Permits and Regulations

  • Issues: Some projects, like structural changes or plumbing updates, require permits.
  • Tips:
    • Research local building codes before starting.
    • Work with professionals who handle permits.

DIY Mistakes

  • Risks: Lack of experience can lead to poor-quality work or accidents.
  • Avoiding Mistakes:
    • Only tackle projects that match your skill level.
    • Watch tutorials or consult professionals for guidance.

Disruption to Daily Life

  • Challenges: Dust, noise, and limited use of rooms during construction.
  • Managing It:
    • Plan renovations during less busy times.
    • Set up temporary spaces for cooking, sleeping, or other needs.

Choosing the Wrong Contractors

  • Problems: Poor-quality work or lack of reliability.
  • Prevention:
    • Check references and reviews.
    • Clearly outline expectations in a contract.

Have a Home Improvement Idea?

At Seanote Construction, we bring experience, integrity, and dedication to every project. Whether it’s a simple upgrade or a major renovation, we’ll handle the hard stuff for you. Contact us today to start creating a home improvement plan tailored to your needs.