Doing home improvements yourself can help you save a lot of money and increase your home's value. Homeowners with Beavercreek homes for sale often ask our REALTORS® which types of jobs they should do to help them get more for their property. The answer? It depends. Unless you're a contractor, plumber, or electrician, some improvements should be performed by professionals.

Things to Take into Consideration Before Going DIY or Professional

Significant improvements can be costly. One of the main reasons homeowners consider doing projects themselves is budget. Putting your own time and energy into them can be well worth it, but it can also decrease the value of your home or even be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Sure, YouTube videos and DIY articles can help, but some things should be left to professionals, such as electrical work, HVAC, and major plumbing projects.

It's also important to consider whether you have the motivation, patience, and skill to complete the project. How will being in the thick of repairs or improvement affect your family's ability to perform functions like cooking, doing laundry, or even just watching TV or other leisure activities? If you have the time to devote to doing something yourself and enjoy learning new things, just remember that if you're unfamiliar with the process, it's going to take more time and materials than you think.

DIY It

These are just a few projects that most do-it-yourselfers can handle fairly easily:

• Interior painting
• Installing laminate or vinyl flooring
• Installing baseboards
• Hanging drywall
• Insulation
• Fixing or installing outlets and light switches
• Installing ceiling lights and fans
• Installing a toilet or sink
• Replacing minor external plumbing that isn't inside a wall (such as a drainpipe under the sink)
• Installing laminate countertops

If you practice a hobby like carpentry that can be applied to DIY projects, you may be fine with building a deck or installing a hardwood floor. Remember that leveling and accuracy are critical to get good results in these types of projects. If you feel you're in over your head, don't hesitate to consult a professional to finish the job.

Leave It to the Professionals

These projects are usually best left to those who do home repair and improvement for a living:

• Installing carpet or hardwood flooring
• Installing luxury countertops
• Major exterior painting or siding
• Installing windows
• Paving your driveway
• Replacing gutters and drainpipes
• Knocking down load-bearing walls
• Adding an addition
• Major electrical upgrades or replacement
• Complex plumbing projects
• Roof repair or replacement

Buy It Yourself (BIY)

If you're uncertain whether to DIY or hire a professional, taking a BIY approach is a good compromise. You can buy materials yourself and hire a professional to install them. As more and more people choose this option, contractors have become more open to leaving the purchase of materials up to the homeowner instead of getting them from their own suppliers. You can save a ton of money by searching for sales on flooring, tile, carpet, and other items. It's also a good idea to check into discontinued items, which often offer deep discounts.

Whether you're thinking of hiring a professional or doing things DIY, it's important to make sure whatever you do adds value to your home, especially if you plan to sell it soon. If you need help preparing your home for sale or you're looking for something new, our experienced real estate professionals can help. Contact Wright-Patt Realty to get started today.