When it’s time to sell your home, it’s best to get your property in tip top shape in order to fetch top dollar. But there are lots of projects that can start to add to your final bottom line. As a handy owner, you might be considering tackling some of those projects yourself to save money.
Unless you are a licensed contractor or thoroughly seasoned in the field of construction, there are certain areas of home repair you should leave to the professionals. Attempting to take on these jobs by yourself might end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Here are some jobs that can get you into trouble if you try to DIY them before a home sale:
#1 Drywall repairs
Cracks in the walls may seem easy, but it takes a professional’s touch to get a professional finish. If you have cracks that need to be repaired and covered so they disappear, a professional can fix it quickly and make it look like the crack was never there. A DIY job can make the patch job appear worse than before and will make the repair stick out to potential buyers.
#2 HVAC
This is a very specialized field. Most people in construction don’t mess with the heating and cooling system of a home and will refer you to an HVAC specialist if you have questions or problems. When it comes to installing a new thermostat, replacing coils, or regular maintenance, a specialized HVAC technician is the way to go.
#3 Dishwasher install
Other major appliances, like a refrigerator, washer, dryer, or even a stove, can be done fairly easily without too much prior expertise. But a dishwasher requires installing a water line, a drainage line, and doing both under kitchen cabinetry. A wrong move here could lead to a kitchen flood or a serious back up. Most stores that sell dishwashers offer professional installation that is worth the extra money.
#4 Tree removal
While small trees can easily be taken down with a chainsaw, it’s the stump grinding and the underground root structure that can be the tricky part. Professionals are equipped to handle even the largest trees and ensure they don’t go through your windows or roof. Plus, they handle the haul away and clean up afterwards.
#5 Window replacement
There are several layers to take into consideration when replacing a window. If not resealed properly, leaks can form and can lead to mold and water damage each time it rains.
#6 Roof repairs
While hammering down a shingle or fixing a leaky gutter sounds easy in theory, in practice it is a different story. Professional roofers where special shoes and harnesses to ensure their safety. As a DIYer, it is easy to lose your footing and slip while taking on what should be an “easy” job.
There are plenty of capable do it yourselfers that know their way around a weekend project. But when it comes to listing your home for sale, it is often better to leave the big projects to the professionals. While your instincts might pull you to try your hand at a project to save a bit of money, in the end, you will come out on top by saving time and completing the project properly by opting to leave it to the pros.
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