Property Renovation – When to Call In the Experts

It’s a buyers’ market out there, so it’s always wise to consider the benefits of renovating your home before you decide to sell. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that replacing a kitchen or installing a new bathroom can add value to a home and make it easier to sell. However, whilst it’s possible to do some jobs yourself, there are times when it’s better to call in the experts.

A Job Worth Doing…

Some jobs are not worth your time and effort, but others will pay dividends. For example, if your home needs a full program of modernization to bring it kicking and screaming into the 21st century, it’s often better to sell it as a “project”. If you take this approach, buyers will be able to put their own stamp on the place, which many people prefer. However, it does depend on what market you are targeting.

On the other hand, a new kitchen, bathroom, or HVAC system will add to the value of your home and make it easier to sell. Buyers like to move in and not have to spend any money, so if you take care of these large tasks prior to selling, you should be able to recoup the cost of your investment when the property sells. In addition, if you do the job right, you may even make a profit on your expenditure.

DIY Renovation Projects

Some people possess enough skills to fit their own kitchen or bathroom, but for the rest of us, laying a new wooden floor or patio is about the limit of our DIY skills. Be realistic about what you are capable of doing alone. If you have some experience and a garage full of tools, have a go. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to guide you, but if the work involves dealing with electrics or working at height, it’s time to call in the experts.

Call in the Experts

Electrical work is always a job for professionals. Some jobs can be tackled by a competent DIY enthusiast, but if you don’t have a clue, hire an electrician to wire up a new light fitting or rewire the property.

Working at height is also dangerous if you don’t use the right equipment, so if your roof needs attention or there is a problem with the guttering, hire a professional to do the job. They are covered by insurance and will use a fall safety harness to prevent any nasty accidents. Sure, it’s going to cost you more, but an extra bill is better than breaking your back and ending up in a wheelchair for the foreseeable.

Other jobs where it’s sensible to call in an expert include mold eradication and pest control. Both have a specialist skillset and need equipment you probably won’t have to hand.

Property renovation is not a job for amateurs, so don’t bite off more than you can chew. Instead, market your home at a price that reflects its current state and buy a new property that doesn’t need any work.