Do It Yourself Home Improvement Mistakes – Part II

Published by cravat | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Miscellaneous, Real Estate, Shout Outs, Uncategorized

Giving you the second part of the do it yourself mistakes that you need to avoid. Repairs or remodeling can be much more complicated as you think, it is. By arming yourself of the do’s and don’ts’ places you in a clearer view.

1.     Expect the Unexpected

What if you find termites when you rip open a wall? On these cases, structural repair is needed. If it’s not termites, it could be electrical wiring that needs to be replaced or pipes with moisture problems. Protect your funds and let yourself be adaptable even a bit in your working schedule to be able to adjust to these unexpected surprises.

2.     Do not by-pass Home inspection

Do not even try not to get a home inspection when you invest in a property. Find and hire a very qualified and licensed individual to conduct the inspection. Asking a relative, a buddy or a referral contractor from someone to do the job will not give the peace of mind that you need. Get a real inspector to do it for you. Find time to be present during the inspection and make sure you ask questions. Be detailed and focus to safety issues. Do your assignment, research and be an informed investor.

When the inspector recommends further inspection by another professional contractor, inspect and find it out for yourself if the inspector is telling you that there could be a serious repair needed or you are talking to unlicensed person to inform and address the problem.

3.     Get the Right Tools

Professional tools with a good quality brand when it comes to tools are still the one preferred. You can never do wrong in investing in one or sets which specifically caters for detailed functions for the repair in your house. Remember to practice safety.

a)     Put on your goggles all the time especially when you are using a power saw.

b)    Never to stand on the top stair of a ladder

c)     When you are working with electricity, hit the main breaker all the time. 

4.     Inexpensive Materials

Do not hold back. Buying an inexpensive material does not save you any money because it compromises the quality of the material. Buyers are particular with the materials that you install or have used in your home. If you want to close the deal, the quality of the items used must come out.

Learn to negotiate prices, even branded merchandise costs less if you scout and shop carefully. By using branded items you can include them in your marketing portfolio and impress your buyers with the high quality things you have used without them knowing how much you have spent.

5.     Know the Resale Value

Checking the comparable sales for similar house in your area, to know your remodeling are the same with the other properties in that area. Do not buy the idea that you can sell a property two to three times the cost of improvements plus include its purchase price. You do not want to go overboard on your price.