is the process of Renovating or making additions to one's home. Often, a Professional Handyman is hired to perform the improvements but, typically, most improvements are done on an Amateur DIY basis by the Homeowner .
Bob Vila is a well-known author and televsion host in the home improvement field. Also, the Sitcom '' Home Improvement '' uses the home improvement Theme for comedic purposes.
A homeowner can hire a General Contractor to oversee a home improvement project that involves multiple trades. A general contractor acts as project manager, providing access to the site, removing debris, coordinating work schedules, and performing some aspects of the work. Sometimes homeowners bypass the general contractor, and hire tradesmen themselves, including Plumbers , Electrician s and Roofer s. Another strategy is to "do it yourself" (DIY). Several major retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowes , specialize in selling materials and tools for DIY home improvement. These stores even host classes to educate customers how to do the work themselves.
- Wallpaper ing and Painting Wall s or installing Wood Paneling
- adding new Flooring such as Carpet s, Tiling , Linoleum , Wood Flooring , or solid Hardwood Flooring .
- upgrading Cabinet s, Fixture s, and Sink s in the Kitchen and Bathroom
- repairing or increasing the capacity of Plumbing and Electrical systems
- upgrading Heating , Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Roof tear-off and replacement
- Concrete and Masonry repairs to the Foundation and Chimney
- Waterproofing Basements
- Sound Proofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths
- replacing Siding and Window s, both as a cosmetic improvement and as a way to save energy
- turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning Basement s into Recroom s or Attic s into spare Bedroom s
- reducing Utility costs with:
- --- Energy-efficient Insulation , Window s, and Lighting
- --- Renewable Energy Self Sufficiency with Biomass Pellet Stove s, wood-burning Stove s, Solar Panel s, Wind Turbine s, and Geothermal Exchange Heat Pump s (see Autonomous Building )
- extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original Roof
- improving the Backyard with Sliding Door s, wooden patio Deck s, Patio Garden s, Jacuzzi s, Swimming Pool s, and Fencing
- Emergency Preparedness safety measures such as:
- ---home Fire And Burglar Alarm systems
- ---security doors, windows, and Shutters
- --- Storm Cellar s as protection from Tornado s and Hurricane s
- --- Bombshelter s especially during the 1950s as protection from Nuclear War
- Home Improvement Lighting Advice - Thinking of changing your lighting? This page provides great practical advice on lighting your home and is a MUST READ for the average home improvement novice and DIY enthusiast alike. Each room is covered in detail with advice aimed at the average home improvement enthusiast. Also explains energy efficiency and the importance that it has in the coming years.
- Articles with useful Home Improvement Tips .
- Lighting Advice - Lamp Guide - Lighting your home is important, it can make or break a room - but which lamps types / wattages are sufficient? This informative page covers each type of lamp / bulb, detailing the best uses for each.
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