[Special thanks to Gene Williams of DIYDad for the following guest post about DIY (and non-DIY) projects that can add value to your home when you are preparing to sell. If you are thinking about selling your home in the Durham area and you’re curious about what improvements can increase your sales price the most, get in touch at matt.minor@hunterrowe.com. I’d love to help you get the highest price for your home in the Raleigh-Durham market. If you want advice on how to accomplish those DIY projects you have in mind, get in touch with Gene at eugene@diydad.info!]
There are plenty of home improvement projects that pay off big time in the long run. Many of
these you can do yourself and save; others are best left to the men and women who work in the
field. Here are four projects to DIY and four for the pros.
Projects to DIY that can add value to your home
Projects to DIY
Painting walls and doors.
The most difficult part about painting a room is picking just the right color for your space, furniture, and lighting situation. According to Home Depot, painting interior walls is a cost-effective way to completely transform the look of your home. Before you start, however, make sure to prep the walls properly by filling nail holes and small imperfections with spackling compound, masking pertinent areas with painter’s tape, and protecting your floors and furniture with a dropcloth. Avoid painting high ceilings or in stairway areas if you are not comfortable on a ladder.
New hardware in kitchen and bath.
If you have a screwdriver and a long afternoon, you can update your kitchen and bath by replacing outdated hardware with modern knobs and pulls. Don’t forget the hinges, and take the time to wipe down the cabinets while you’re there.
Painting cabinets.
Speaking of cabinets, you can paint the cabinets in your kitchen or the
vanity in your bathroom to brighten and update these always-used spaces. Depending on how many cabinets you’re painting, this may take one or two weekends. Here’s how to do it yourself
for around $200.
Small landscaping projects.
Small outdoor projects, such as trimming hedges or creating a flower bed, will instantly add curb appeal to your home without breaking the bank.
Projects to Leave to the Pros
The following home improvements are not for amateurs and can cause extensive damage to
your home or potentially life-threatening injuries if done without the proper safety precautions.
Anything electrical
There is a reason it takes a four-year apprenticeship and state and local licensure to become an electrician. Working with electrical wires and live voltage is dangerous and can result in electrocution or electrical fires if done incorrectly. Never attempt any electrical repairs yourself.
Plumbing
A plumber has gone through extensive training in home infrastructure, water flow,
and construction and is knowledgeable in all aspects of plumbing repair and installation. Even
something as simple as a leaky faucet can turn into an expensive home repair if completed with
even minor imperfections. A poorly attached faucet, for example, can leak water into the wall,
potentially causing structural issues that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. It’s best to
spend the money on the front end and hire a plumber for anything more in depth than clearing a
clogged toilet.
Installing new countertops
You might be great at math and geometry, but even a slight miscalculation when installing new countertops can leave you footing the bill for materials you can’t use. In Raleigh, NC the average cost for laminate countertops including material and labor is between $737 and $1,022, and you can upgrade to stone or granite for a premium. Typically this project takes two to three days when done by a professional.
Extensive landscape projects
Projects that deal with specialty items, such as exotic plants or trees, should be handled by a landscape architect or other specialist. Discovery asserts that arborists—professional tree trimmers/fellers—have one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth. A good rule of thumb is that if it requires tools or equipment you don’t already have on hand, call a pro.
When you’re thinking about selling your home, quality matters. While you can certainly manage
painting and swapping hardware, let the professionals handle anything that could potentially
cause more damage than you’re prepared to repair. It’s all about balance, so if you’re looking to
save money on home repairs, choose your DIY endeavors wisely.