Home improvement involves the repairing, remodeling, renovating, converting, or altering of any part of a residential building. Home improvement also includes the repair or replacement of doors, windows, roofs, foundations, and heating and cooling systems. It also includes interior and exterior painting, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and the installation of appliances and fixtures. It does not include new construction, additions to existing commercial structures or any nonpermanent structures such as fences and landscaping.
Certainties in Life
Some home renovation projects simply can’t be put off. A leaking roof, for example, can cause serious and expensive damage that needs to be addressed immediately. The same is true of electrical problems and other safety hazards. Other reasons for renovating may include improving the home’s appearance or addressing an unsatisfactory layout. Regardless of the reason, homeowner satisfaction with their upgraded homes is high.
The majority of the 115 million projects undertaken by homeowners over the past two years were paid for with cash from savings. But financing for more expensive projects came from sources such as cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, contractor arranged financing and credit cards. Whether the project is large or small, it is important that the contract be in writing and that it contains an estimated completion date, a payment schedule, and as many specifics about materials and workmanship as possible. For your protection, Maryland law requires that contractors provide a written contract to consumers before any work begins and before any money is paid. The contract should also have the contractor’s name, address and MHIC license number preprinted on it.