4 DIY Projects Home Sellers Should Not Attempt

In the age of YouTube videos and HGTV, it can be very easy for a homeowner to see a project they want to tackle around the house and think it is very manageable. The reality is, however, that these projects are rarely ever as simple as they seem. Even once they manage to complete the project, a home inspector can almost always spot the work of an amateur when evaluating repairs and upgrades to a home. Here are 4 of the biggest areas where home inspectors are seeing red flags:

1) Electrical Work

     Examples: Installing lighting fixtures, fans, and dimmers 

Licensed electricians are highly skilled individuals who spend years studying circuits, wiring, and a variety of other areas of the trade. When an amateur attempts to replicate this work, there is often a high risk of electrocution or even an electrical fire that can burn the house down. Home inspectors can tell when someone has completed a home DIY project when they see overloaded circuit boxes, exposed wiring, and improper junction boxes.  

2) Plumbing

     Examples: Changing a faucet or appliance

Just like electricians, plumbers are skilled craftsmen with a high degree of specialty. There is a considerable amount of risk involved when a homeowner opts to complete a repair themselves rather than hire a plumber due to the risk of a leak or possible house flood. Even a small mistake can lead to water seeping into the home, causing wood rot and mold.

3) Decks and Roofing

     Examples: Extending a deck or repairing roof shingles

Both deck and roof repairs are inadvisable to the everyday person due to the threat of injury. An improperly installed deck could pull away from the house or even collapse when you are walking across it. Roof repairs are similarly inadvisable due to the risk of falling off the home. Trained professionals in these fields know how to take proper safety precautions and minimize risk while providing a high quality product. 

4) Landscape Grading

     Examples: Leveling the ground or reshaping the flow of water in a yard

While landscaping may seem more low-risk to DIY-ers than other repairs due to the fact that they are outdoors and away from expensive elements of the home, there is still a high degree of skill required to complete these projects properly. Anytime the grade or leveling of a yard is altered there is a risk of disrupting the flow of water on the property. This could cause excessive water buildup after a rain storm or result in puddling throughout the yard. This is a common red flag for inspectors who take this as a sign to check if there is water damage to the foundation or siding of a home. These are both areas that are susceptible to rotting or erosion that can cause massive property damage.

If you are looking to complete any repairs or upgrades before you put your home on the market, we would be happy to put you in touch with any of our trusted local service providers. As real estate experts we work with these professionals all the time and are more than happy to recommend someone to help you complete your project. Contact us at info@wphometeam.com for our Concierge-Level Vendor List so that you can get the most out of your project and pass a home inspection!