Discipline around maintenance is essential to keep your home in great condition as neglected properties can cost a lot of money to put right before a sale.
A worse result is when a property fails to reach its value potential because it’s rundown.
While many buyers may be home-hunting for a fixer-upper, more want a property requiring no work. A property with defects often sells for less and attracts fewer potential buyers.
As a seller it is possible to remedy issues with your best DIY efforts, but it’s important not to overreach.
It’s easy to spot amateur work on repairs and renovations requiring skilled tradespeople. Unfortunately, shoddy work will negatively affect your property’s value.
Below, we’ve made a list of bad habits some DIYers adopt when working on their homes. We hope you don’t recognise too many of them!
Here are some DIY habits to avoid or give up right now.
No safety gear
Always protect yourself. Ear and eye protection are essential. Steel toecaps on your boots are a great idea, too. And don’t mow the lawn in thongs!
Finishing jobs
If you take on a task, you must finish it. Never start a job until the current one is complete. Unfinished projects make a home look shabby and neglected.
Stay in your lane
Some tasks are not for the enthusiast. You risk damaging your property and diminishing its value when you take on projects you can’t complete to a professional standard.
Splash it on
Everyone can paint, but how many people prepare the surface? This is the key to a quality finish. Choosing a suitable primer is just as important as selecting your favourite paint. Like any DIY task, don’t skip the necessary steps in the process.
Measure up
“Measure twice, cut once” is an adage for any carpenter. DIYers should never estimate or guess measurements. Get out your tape measure, write down dimensions and minimise material waste.
Being cheap
Using cheap materials or equipment never pays. If you want to do a great job, use quality materials.
Making a mess
Like the professionals, every DIYer should make time to clean up. Leaving tools and materials lying around can be dangerous. Put everything away when you’ve finished for the day.