Spring House Hunt
“Sometimes a homeowner might know just enough to be dangerous.”
Buying a home that needs work can be a less expensive way to purchase real estate in the current housing market, but experts warn DIYers should know their limits.
Morgan Cohen, owner of the home inspection firm MKC Associates, said he advises his clients to hire professionals to do electrical, heating, and plumbing work, but light carpentry, painting, and small repairs are great places for non-professionals to start building their DIY skills safely.
“On the other hand, we have seen plenty of homeowner attempts gone wrong,” he said. “Sometimes a homeowner might know just enough to be dangerous, which can really get them into trouble and even result in higher costs to redo a project that didn’t go so well.”
Linda O’Koniewski, CEO of Leading Edge Real Estate, said most people who buy fixer-uppers fall into one of two categories: Equity builders (who seek to maximize value) or dream creators (who seek to create a customized space). Those buyers should take a different approach to renovating.
“The equity builder looks for the tired house where the owner prioritized substance over style,” she said. “You can transform dated kitchens and baths without gut renovations using smart refreshes: new appliances, countertops, and strategic paint choices. Remember: the moment you fall in love with the project is the moment your profit margin starts shrinking.”
For the dream creators, it’s different. She said these buyers should forget about resale value and focus on creating a space that matches their lifestyle. But be forewarned: What’s perfect for you might be a turnoff to future buyers.
“Today’s buyers often prefer the Pinterest-perfect aesthetic over practical but unique customizations,” she said.
Bruce Irving of Compass Real Estate said most homeowners are better off hiring professional tradespeople to work on their homes. He said even doing professional-looking work is a lot harder than it looks on TV.
“Perhaps you will be satisfied with the result, but should it come time to sell, amateur work is usually quite apparent to buyers and their agents and is not rewarded in the marketplace,” he said. “During my time at ”This Old House,” we tended to steer our homeowners to tasks like job site cleanup, light landscaping, or exterior painting under supervision.”
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free DIY workshops.
Jim Morrison can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @jimmorrison617.
Address Newsletter
Our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design, with expert advice and insider neighborhood knowledge.