Home improvements continue to surge and there’s no slowing down. Homeowners are spending big money to maximize the use of their homes to adapt and meet the daily needs of pandemic living. 

Backyards are officially year-round retreats and staycations. Outdoor projects are on the rise, such as adding decks, fire pits, pergolas, fences, patios, hot tubs, and swing sets. There are long waiting lists for pool installations and liners. Many of these improvements will require a permit. So before you install, make the call to the Building Dept. Don’t assume your contractor or installer is doing this on your behalf. 

Indoor space is also being converted in creative and innovative ways to provide more functional space for work and school from home, such as retro-fitting bedroom closets into workstations,  Finishing basements and adding bathrooms are on the rise and you’ll need to call before you install. They will get flagged if not up to code with required egresses and sanitary compliances in place. If not done correctly, it will no doubt cost you more money to redo. 

Before investing on improvements for the best outcome, call your local buildings department and tax assessors office to avoid potential pitfalls. Warwick Town Buildings Dept. (845) 986-1127, Warwick Village Buildings Dept. (845) 986-2031, Florida Village 845-344-5863, and Greenwood Lake (845) 477-9217

Have questions regarding the best improvements to invest in on your home, give me a call. Even if you’re not selling, real estate is a sound  investment, especially reinvesting upgrades/improvements for the best return.