The present thesis aims to provide new insight into the motives and aspirations behind self-initiated renovations of owner-occupied housing by applying a critical perspective to the phenomenon of home improvements. Furthermore, the thesis argues that the concepts of use value and exchange value point to how economic and non-economic factors are interconnected in contemporary home improvement practice. Moreover, by connecting economic and non-economic factors, the thesis goes beyond previous research in the field, which has been preoccupied with either one or the other. An empirical study consisting of eight semi-structured interviews with homeowners in Uppsala was conducted to support the thesis’s theoretical argument. This study found a combination of vagueness and certainty in the motives behind the participants' renovations. The thesis then recontextualized its seemingly paradoxical findings in terms of use value and exchange value, showing how renovating homeowners navigate contradictory considerations in pragmatic ways. In turn, showing how home improvement needs to be understood with reference to structural mechanisms and individual preferences – taking care to centre how these two aspects are interconnected. Additionally, tied to its conclusions, the study shows how homeowners balance ideals of self-expression with a norm of neutrality stemming from the demands of the property market.

Este proyecto consiste en explicar y detallar el proceso de creación de la idea de negocio de Handyman y la implementación de la aplicación, página web y redes sociales que sirva como nexo entre expertos/maestros en realizar arreglos y/o mejoras para el hogar con usuarios que busquen este tipo de servicio. Por lo que, ambos tipos de clientes tendrán que realizar el proceso de registro y la validación de la cuenta creada en la aplicación garantizando seguridad y calidad en los servicios. El objetivo de Handyman es que los proveedores de estos servicios en diferentes categorías logren hacer contacto con clientes en tiempo real y de una manera fácil y rápida. / This project consists of explaining and detailing the process of creating the Handyman business idea and the implementation of the application, website and social networks that serve as a link between experts / teachers in making arrangements and / or improvements for the home with users. that they look for this type of service. Therefore, both types of clients will have to carry out the registration process and the validation of the account created in the application, guaranteeing security and quality of services. The objective of Handyman is that the providers of these services in different categories manage to contact clients in real time and in an easy and fast way. / Trabajo de investigación