As the summer months come to a close, many homeowners are tackling their long-awaited home improvement projects. According to Google Trends, searches for ‘home renovation’ and ‘home improvement’ reached their highest levels this year in June.

Renovation Costs

On average, home improvement projects cost around $6,200 each, as reported by NerdWallet’s analysis of the American Housing Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. To avoid costly mistakes, it’s essential to know what to expect before starting a project.

NerdWallet’s editorial team shared their personal experiences with home improvement projects, including a basement remodel, a new bedroom, and front door and fireplace repair. Their stories highlight the importance of careful planning, comparing contractor bids, and building in surprises to the budget.

Money-Saving Tips

Some key takeaways from their experiences include comparing multiple quotes for contractors, considering DIY options, and understanding the scope of work before hiring a professional. It’s also crucial to be realistic about one’s skills and abilities when deciding what to tackle personally.

For those planning to start a home improvement project, it’s recommended to research costs, set a budget, and explore payment options. Even if no projects are currently planned, it’s wise to think about how to handle unexpected repairs and maintenance costs, such as having an emergency fund in place.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.