Before you jump into that renovation or project, take a moment to consider “Is it really going to help?”. In a difficult housing market, where money is tight, many who are searching the market for a new home, can be quickly turned off a sale if they see that a property needs too much work to make it their own.
Too many DIY projects – While they’re great for cost savings, the design or quality of work of a DIYer vs a professional can hurt. Does the new laminate floor crack when you walk on it? Can you see every joint in the mouldings? Is the tile crooked on the floor? In the shower?
Work done without permits – Sure, that “bonus room” on the back of the house added great footage for the kids when growing up, but now that they’re gone and home is on the market, can the new owner take out a permit for their pre-move in renovations without getting caught with the illegal work done previously? Can that come back to bite you?
High-end landscaping. You have the time and ability to keep up the annuals, perennials, leaf-shedding trees, shrubbery, and even the water feature, but a potential buyer may see “maintenance” that they know that they don’t have time for.
Just over doing it. Overbuilding for the neighbourhood can actually hinder the sale. If everything is “too good”, then the price alone can scare off potential buyers. By the same rule, spending money on fancy finishes buy going cheap on the labour, can also hurt.
You can listen to the Weekend DIY Warrior segment here.
Steve Seaborn
@tltcontractor