There are a lot of jobs to do around the home that will improve its value, but when do you put a stop to DIY and call in the experts?
Remember, enthusiasm for doing the job yourself does not replace a professional finish.
So if your workmanship is likely to lack a professional quality, it may detrimentally affect the value of your home instead of improving it.
For example, your finishing might not be optimal unless you are a plasterer by trade. Or, maybe those cupboards could be a little more level. Most experienced agents can walk through a home and identify the DIY projects from work completed by tradespeople.
You may also need professional qualifications to complete some jobs. Here’s a few you should not attempt yourself:
Electrics
Changing a light bulb is fine but, unless you’re qualified, stay away from electrical work. Why? Because most of it needs to be done by a licensed electrician, or it’s illegal. Working in this area is dangerous.
Asbestos removal
Do not remove asbestos. The fibres are deadly. Call in the specialists and pay the bill. Seriously. Forget it.
Plumbing
It’s okay to change a washer, of course! But more difficult tasks are the domain of a licensed plumber. For example, underground water leaks or burst pipes can affect your home’s structural integrity, so you want the experts. And don’t try to plumb a new bathroom. That’s a world of pain for the amateur.
Gas
Many plumbers can work on faulty gas appliances and pipes. So, let’s not light up the neighborhood or singe your eyebrows, leave this one alone.
Roofing
Anything involving a ladder is potentially dangerous. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way for the sake of a couple of cracked roof tiles. Call in guys with the right equipment who can do the job quickly and safely.
Construction
Regulation has increasingly limited the amount of building an amateur can do without permission or completing a course. Forget the notion that it’s okay to build an extension without the help of a licensed builder. By all means have a go at the small jobs, like fencing, a shed or a doghouse.