Home improvement, a subset of home renovation, is all about making upgrades and repairs to your living space. From resizing your windows to building an addition, it’s one way to create a more livable home, improve the aesthetic appeal of your property or make necessary changes for safety and accessibility. However, it’s important to know what projects will add value and which ones won’t. Not only will this help you plan your project better, but it’ll also prevent you from spending money on work that may not pay off down the road.

While there are many great reasons to make some home improvements, one of the biggest is to increase your property’s resale value. But it’s not always easy to figure out which remodeling projects will make your home more appealing to buyers and entice them to make a offer. That’s why it’s so important to get professional advice and to understand what the most popular home improvements are before ripping out your drywall with a sledgehammer.

When deciding what projects to tackle, homeowners should start by making a list of desired upgrades. It’s important to be as detailed as possible because this will enable you to negotiate with contractors and lock in firm prices. It will also help you weed out unscrupulous companies that try to tack on extra work and fees that you don’t need or want.

According to recent research from Houzz, the most common home improvement projects will be replacing kitchen or bathroom fixtures and installing new windows. These will both boost resale value, while adding functionality and improving the look of your property. Other popular home projects include sprucing up electrical wiring, refinishing hardwood floors and making energy-efficient upgrades.

While some home renovations can be done on a tight budget, others may require a significant financial investment. Luckily, there are loans available that can help you fund all kinds of renovations. Home improvement loans can be used for everything from fixing damaged structural elements to adding a room or making your house more energy-efficient. They are an excellent option for financing major home repairs that would otherwise be out of reach for many people, especially during these uncertain economic times.

Although some home improvement projects can add value to your property, it’s important to understand that not all remodeling is created equal. Some projects can actually decrease your property’s resale price and even turn off potential buyers, so it’s important to do your research before picking up the sledgehammer. If you’re unsure what to do, consult with a real estate agent who can provide helpful insights into the best ways to maximize your home’s resale value and sellability. They may recommend something you hadn’t thought of or suggest that your project is over-the-top for the area. Getting the right advice can save you thousands of dollars, as well as a lot of headaches down the road.