{"id":10791,"date":"2019-05-30T12:39:37","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T19:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=10791"},"modified":"2025-02-24T09:51:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:51:20","slug":"home-improvement-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/home-improvement-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You DIY or Go Pro on These Common Home Improvement Projects?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever put together a piece of furniture and from there on out, it just never worked quite as it should? The drawer sticks, the shelf slants, the table wobbles. And the mistake haunts you forever because you did it all to save a measly $80 on professional assembly.<\/p>\n

Sometimes that\u2019s how DIY home improvement projects end up, too, and then you\u2019ve got a bigger problem than the nuisance of a loose screw: A house that\u2019s difficult to sell.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing DIY has one big benefit from a budget standpoint as it only costs materials and time, \u201c says Brandon Prewitt<\/a>, a top-selling real estate agent in Columbus, Ohio<\/a> who regularly helps clients get the most value out of their homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, don’t try to DIY if you’re not comfortable doing it. Homebuyers and their agents are pretty savvy at spotting projects that went wrong.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Deciding whether to hire a pro doesn\u2019t seem like rocket science. But American homeowners (not unlike those IKEA addicts!) tend to be ambitious. Almost 50%<\/a> who completed recent home improvement projects did the work themselves, though perhaps foolishly. Renovation Planners, a certified construction management firm, estimates that 30% percent<\/a> of contractors\u2019 work comes from repairing poorly done DIY projects after the fact.<\/p>\n

To help you make the right call on any of the common projects you\u2019re likely to do before you sell your home, review this list that gets into the nitty gritty details on where to roll up your sleeves and grab your toolbox, and when to pick up the phone for a quote.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Malte Lu\/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Home improvement project #1: Fresh interior paint<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve got any loud accent walls from your red kick in the early 2000s, then it\u2019s recommended that you paint over those with a neutral shade of beige or gray<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cA fresh coat of paint will do wonders for any interior space and if you choose paint colors that are on trend, it can transform a room,\u201d says Prewitt. \u201cIt’s a relatively low investment for a really large impact in both marketability and an increased home value.\u201d<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s a project that seems deceptively simple.<\/p>\n

For starters, room prep takes time and patience. To protect the floors, you\u2019ll need to properly secure drop cloths to avoid the risk of paint drips damaging your flooring. You\u2019ll also need to tape off window frames, ceilings, moldings, baseboards, light fixtures, and outlets with painter’s tape<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Walls need to be scrubbed clean so that stains and grease marks (especially in kitchens) don\u2019t show through. You\u2019ll need to put on a primer coat<\/a> before painting your new color over dark (or vibrant) existing wall colors. And different wall textures require different naps on your paint rollers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Plus, there\u2019s a whole host of DIY interior painting tips<\/a> to learn that will help you avoid the streaks and bleeds that are the hallmarks of an amateur paint job.<\/p>\n

No matter how good you get at painting, going pro will look a whole lot better\u2014plus it\u2019ll get done fast. However, that speed and quality will cost you. Having the interior of a 2,300-square-foot home painted by a pro costs a national average of $6,900<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If having your whole home professionally painted doesn\u2019t fit within your budget, you can cut costs by only painting the most important spaces (kitchen, living room, master bedroom and bath), and skipping additional bedrooms, or bonus rooms.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY:<\/b> If you have the time and patience to research (and learn through experience) how to achieve pro-like results. Plus, the willingness to try again if your first attempt isn\u2019t up to par.<\/p>\n

Go pro:<\/b> If you\u2019re on a tight deadline, you have money in your budget to cover the costs, or you don\u2019t have the skills (or patience) to DIY.<\/p>\n

Home improvement project #2: Install new flooring<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhether you take out the carpet and put in laminate, or luxury vinyl tile, or even new carpeting, changing out the flooring transforms the space,\u201d says Prewitt. \u201cFresh, new flooring makes a huge impression on a buyer.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, 54% of homebuyers would pay around $2,080 more<\/a> for a house that has hardwood.<\/p>\n

Typically this is a project best reserved for the pros or only the most skilled DIYers. And even for them, it depends on the type of flooring that\u2019s going out and getting put in.<\/p>\n

Carpet, for example, is a multi-step project<\/a> that requires the installation of tack strips<\/a> and padding before you even get to the carpet. You\u2019ll also need to do a lot of measuring, trimming (through tough-to-cut padding and carpet backing), stretching, and gluing seams together.<\/p>\n

Vinyl sounds simple, but cutting it to the proper dimensions, matching patterns at the seams, getting it to stick down properly can be tricky<\/a>. Plus, if you don\u2019t properly scrape up old glue, and sand down the foundation, you\u2019ll get odd bumps showing through the vinyl.<\/p>\n

One of the easiest flooring types to install yourself are floating laminate floors<\/a>. Laminate offers the look of hardwood floors, but the planks snap together easily, and they don\u2019t require any adhesive or nails to hold them in place.<\/p>\n

Even so, installing laminate isn\u2019t child\u2019s play. You\u2019ll need to plan the layout in advance, alternate the seams, and cut boards to fit in doorways and other awkward corners. You\u2019ll also need to install new baseboards to cover the gaps between the wall and the floating floor, as well as end caps to transition to carpeted rooms<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get any of that wrong, and your DIY work will stick out like a sore thumb.<\/p>\n

Going pro on new flooring installation is the way to go for most homeowners, but it isn\u2019t cheap. Getting new laminate flooring in just one 200-square-foot room runs an average of an average of $1,600 to $5,000<\/a> depending on factors like flooring type and existing floor removal.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY: <\/b>If you\u2019ve helped install the flooring type before, it may be worth trying to DIY. (That is, if you\u2019re able to handle a box-cutter or table saw without risking injury.)<\/p>\n

Go pro: <\/b>If the only experience you\u2019ve got under your belt is watching it done on home improvement shows and YouTube videos, go pro.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Free-Photos\/ <\/a>Pixabay<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Home improvement project #3: Update your light fixtures<\/h2>\n

\u201cReplacing dated light fixtures makes a huge difference,\u201d says Prewitt. \u201cLet’s say you have a brass fixture in your dining room. Just swapping that out for a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze fixture makes a major impact on the salability of the property.\u201d<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, changing a light fixture is a rather simple DIY project IF you carefully follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shutting off the power to the light fixture at your breaker box is an absolute must. And you\u2019ll need to caulk around outdoor light fixtures<\/a> to protect the wiring from the weather.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that incorrectly installed lighting or a bad wiring job poses a fire hazard, so make sure you\u2019re comfortable with the risks before attempting installation, or go with a pro.<\/p>\n

However, not every house is eligible for DIY lighting installation. \u201cWhen you\u2019re thinking about DIY lighting, you have to think about the age of the home that you’re living in,\u201d advises Prewitt. \u201cIf you own a vintage Victorian that has old electrical wiring, I would be very leery about DIYing any electrical projects.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re replacing light fixtures in an older home, such as those built or wired between 1880 and 1940, they\u2019ll likely have outdated knob-and-tube wiring<\/a>. If that\u2019s the type of wiring your home has, always hire a certified electrician<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The same is true for homes built in the 1960s and early ’70s<\/a>, during the copper shortage. Homes built in this timeframe will likely contain aluminum wiring prone to overheating and failure<\/a>. If you\u2019ve got aluminum wiring, a pro is the way to go.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY:<\/b> If you have a newer home with copper wiring, the confidence to take on a potentially hazardous project, and the discipline to follow directions and safety procedures, DIY is definitely an option.<\/p>\n

Go pro:<\/b> If you have an older home with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, definitely hire a professional to do all of your electrical work.<\/p>\n

Home improvement project #4: Swap out faucets in the kitchen and bath<\/h2>\n

Replacing faucets is definitely a doable DIY project if you follow instructions<\/a>, take care to seal everything appropriately to prevent leaks, and you buy the right faucet to fit your sinks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, even though replacing plumbing is safer for you (safer than replacing light fixtures), there are other risks that may make hiring a pro the better choice.<\/p>\n

For example, if your shutoffs are rusted out, or if the threading on your existing plumbing is stripped, your unprofessional plumbing attempts could flood your home. Your amateur attempts could also damage pipes and pose leakage problems in the future\u2014which your buyer\u2019s home inspector will probably spot.<\/p>\n

One final note for homeowners who are replacing the countertops in their kitchens and bathrooms. Since you\u2019re already paying a professional to replace the countertops and all the sinks\u2014it only makes sense to let those pros put the faucets in, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile some homeowners are capable of changing out faucets, when you get into plumbing-related projects, I would lean toward hiring a pro,\u201d says Prewitt.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY:<\/b> If your existing plumbing is in good shape, and you\u2019re careful enough to install the faucet correctly, you can DIY this.<\/p>\n

Go pro:<\/b> If you\u2019ve got older pipes, if you\u2019re fond of skipping installation steps, or you\u2019ve already paid a pro to replace the sinks themselves, hire a pro.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Free-Photos\/ <\/a>Pixabay<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Home improvement project #5: Put in new kitchen countertops<\/h2>\n

One home improvement project that adds buyer-attracting bling to your home is upgrading the kitchen counter tops to a fancier material, like the ever-trendy quartz<\/a>. \u00a0Some homeowners even go so far as to fabricate unique countertops<\/a> themselves, but this is a no-no if you want to sell your home for the most money.<\/p>\n

If you are going to install new countertops, never DIY. It requires precision cuts and pro installation know-how to make sure the surface is level, the seams meet, and there\u2019s no leakage around the sink.<\/p>\n

\u201cReplacing countertops is always a pro project. But the real question that you need to ask is whether or not you should replace your countertops,\u201d says Prewitt.<\/p>\n

Buyers may gravitate toward flashy surfaces in the kitchen like quartz or granite<\/a>, but you don\u2019t absolutely need to invest major money to sell your home for top dollar.<\/p>\n

Depending on the surface you choose, countertops can cost anywhere from $27 to $100<\/a> per square foot for materials alone. Having them fully installed by the pros averages between $1,869 to $4,079<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If your existing countertops are in relatively good shape, let the market and your home\u2019s price point tell you if you need to replace them or not\u2014and how expensive the countertop material needs to be.<\/p>\n

For example, in some markets, if your home is listed at $250,000 and up, then buyers will expect solid surface materials, like granite, in your kitchen.<\/p>\n

However, if you\u2019re under $250,000 then a nice-looking Formica will suffice\u2014and you only need to replace them if the existing ones are in bad shape.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY: <\/b>Unless you\u2019re a professional contractor yourself\u2014never.<\/p>\n

Go pro: <\/b>Always. It takes expertise to fit and level countertops onto existing cabinets\u2014especially when there\u2019s sink cutouts and plumbing installation involved.<\/p>\n

Home improvement project #6: Rehab your kitchen cabinets<\/h2>\n

Whether you want to refinish, stain, or paint, you\u2019ll find plenty of advice online about how to rehab existing kitchen cabinets<\/a> on your own.<\/p>\n

And while it\u2019s definitely possible to DIY this project, it\u2019s never the right move if your goal is to sell the home.<\/p>\n

\u201cKitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so definitely do not DIY the painting or staining of your cabinets,\u201d advises Prewitt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you mess it up, it\u2019s that much more expensive to have them fixed, and you may wind up having to replace all the cabinets. So I would leave cabinet refinishing to the pros.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even for pros, refinishing kitchen cabinets is a time-consuming, tedious, multi-step process that requires cleaning, stripping, and sanding all of those awkward corners, crannies, and grooves\u2014and that\u2019s before you even get to refinishing them.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re using stain, paint, or just a clear coating, it\u2019s practically impossible to get a smooth, even finish on all of the doors\u2014and that obvious amateur work will turn buyers off.<\/p>\n

However, hiring a pro to refinish them for you isn\u2019t the way to go if you intend to sell your home.<\/p>\n

In most cases, you can give your cabinets an easy, inexpensive makeover by scrubbing them clean and replacing outdated cabinet hardware<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Just replacing cabinet pulls can make a major impact on your cabinetry, and it\u2019s easy to do if you can handle a screwdriver. Installing new handles and knobs with a trending finish will dress up your cabinets and make the whole kitchen look refreshed.<\/p>\n

However, there are ways to screw this simple DIY project up. You\u2019ll need to make sure that you\u2019re getting pulls with a large enough base to cover the footprint of the old handles.<\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re trying to go from single-screw knobs to two-screw handles, you\u2019ll need to drill new holes. Miscalculate or slip when you\u2019re drilling, and you\u2019ll ruin the door\u2014which means you\u2019ll need to shell out cash to replace them all or have mismatched cabinets.<\/p>\n

If your cabinets are too damaged to be improved by hardware alone, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you need to replace them, or have them fully refinished by a professional.<\/p>\n

In many cases, you can keep the cabinet bases and just order replacement doors and drawers. That way you only need to pay a professional to paint or refinish the cabinet bases to match the new ones.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY: <\/b>Never DIY refinishing the cabinets. But definitely DIY replacing cabinet hardware.<\/p>\n

Go pro: <\/b>If your cabinets absolutely must be refinished, hire a pro.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Christa Grover\/ <\/a>Burst<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Home improvement project #7: Swap out hardware and light switch faceplates<\/h2>\n

New hardware on kitchen cabinets isn\u2019t the only place where a little bling can go a long way to update the look of your home.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got cheap, brass doorknobs, cracked plastic light switch faceplates, or mismatched outlet covers, then it\u2019s worth the time and money to replace them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cChanging out door knobs, and faceplates on outlets and light switches, say to brushed nickel, that’s a weekend project that any homeowner can do,\u201d says Prewitt.<\/p>\n

You only need screwdriver skills to replace doorknobs<\/a>\u2014provided that you\u2019ve purchased handles that fit into your existing doors. And the same is true for swapping out electrical faceplates.<\/p>\n

When replacing your faceplates, you don\u2019t need to stick with boring, white plastic. You\u2019ll find plenty of options in stone, wood, or metal faceplates<\/a> to accent any d\u00e9cor style.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s not always necessary to change out electrical. If they are all already clean, undamaged and consistent throughout the house in color and style, then stick with what you\u2019ve got\u2014even if they are that dated cream or white plastic.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/h4>\n

DIY: <\/b>Always. Unless you can\u2019t operate a screwdriver, or tell the difference between a Phillips and a flathead. (If that\u2019s the case, don\u2019t DIY anything, ever!)<\/p>\n

Go pro: <\/b>You\u2019ve already hired a contractor to do other major repair jobs. If there\u2019s still time left when the other work is done and it won\u2019t cost much extra. Otherwise, DIY.<\/p>\n

DIY vs. pro: Which way should you go?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s one simple rule that will help you narrow down your list of potential DIY projects: if the job requires a permit<\/a>, then it\u2019s best to hire a professional.<\/p>\n

In most cases, projects that require permits (such as roof replacement, foundation work, or load-bearing wall modification) are the ones that will get you flagged for violations during your buyer\u2019s home inspection if they aren\u2019t completed properly.<\/p>\n

For non-permitted projects, deciding between DIY and hiring a pro requires finding the right balance between quality and cost.<\/p>\n

\u201cProjects typically get done quicker and at a higher quality when you hire a pro,\u201d advises Prewitt. \u201cHowever, it costs more to pay someone else to get projects done, especially with labor costs on the rise.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, swapping out a bathroom sink faucet may sound easy on the package\u2014but it does require taking steps to avoid a plumbing disaster<\/a>. Otherwise, you\u2019ll wind up spending even more money to repair floors and walls damaged by leaks or burst pipes.<\/p>\n

The potential for a costly DIY disaster is why it\u2019s so important to honestly evaluate your skill level and the complexity of the project before attempting to go it alone.<\/p>\n

After all, anybody who can handle a screwdriver is capable of replacing kitchen cabinet handles, but few homeowners are able to achieve pro-quality results when attempting to DIY the cabinet refinishing.<\/p>\n

Ability and project difficulty are why 89% of surveyed homeowners<\/a> hired a pro to replace their HVAC system, whereas only 44% hired a pro to refinish their hardwood floors.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (NAR<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plus, as tempting as it is to save money by DIYing easier projects, there may not always be time. If you’re on a deadline to get your home sold, then you can\u2019t afford to spend endless hours renovating by yourself when a pro could do a better job in half the time.<\/p>\n

Bottom line: <\/b>Picking the right projects to DIY (and when to go pro) depends on required permits, your skill level, project difficulty, and your timeframe.<\/p>\n

How to find the right contractor for the job<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve chosen to hire a pro, the next decision you need to make is who to hire<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The home remodeling space is known for being scammy<\/a>. Bad contractors could outspend your budget<\/a>, miss deadlines, lose building materials, or simply take your money and run<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So how do you find a reliable, trustworthy professional who\u2019ll under promise and over deliver?<\/p>\n

\u201cAs agents, we\u2019re constantly networking with local contractors,\u201d says Prewitt.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we\u2019ve developed relationships with our contractors, they’re more likely to show up on time, offer reasonable prices, and deliver on quality work. This is a huge benefit to home sellers because it lifts that burden of finding a reputable contractor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friends and family who\u2019ve recently completed projects in the area are good referral sources, too.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day: Make smart decisions about your biggest investment<\/h2>\n

No homeowner wants to drop a bundle of cash on fixing up a home they\u2019ll soon be selling, but selling a house as is<\/a> means getting less than your home is actually worth.<\/p>\n

Tackling some of the simpler improvements yourself is a great way to get your home looking good enough to earn a higher price\u2014but if your results are amateurish, you\u2019ll need to pay a pro to fix your mistakes.<\/p>\n

Savvy home sellers honestly evaluate their home improvement skills and their to-do list, and only take on tasks they know they can handle\u2014and leave the rest to the professionals.<\/p>\n

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