Despite a lagging economy, the number of people doing home improvement projects is on the rise. Increasing numbers of homeowners are remodeling, adding decks, fences, and improving the look of their yard. And in some parts of the country, the average cost of materials has nearly doubled.
The Axiom survey found that more than half of consumers plan to do a home improvement project in the next two years. The most common home improvements include the addition of a backyard patio or a garden. But what exactly is a home improvement?
The Axiom report asked consumers about their recent home improvement projects, as well as how they plan to complete them in the coming year. The survey found that, while most consumers don’t have a specific home improvement project in mind, most intend to hire someone to do some of the work.
The Axiom report also found that the most popular home improvement project was the addition of a backyard patio. Twenty-five percent of surveyors said they would build a deck, while sixteen percent were planning more challenging projects.
The most effective way to find the best contractor is to ask around. Check with friends and family, and get referrals from neighbors who have hired contractors in the past. You can also shop around, comparing quotes from multiple contractors.
If you do decide to hire a contractor, you’ll want to be sure he’s licensed in New York. And he should have a good record with the state’s consumer affairs department.