Thinking about tackling a few home projects yourself? It’s tempting. DIY fixes can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. But not every project is a good idea, especially if you plan to sell your home. Some DIY fixes can actually lower your home’s resale value, making it harder to attract buyers or get the price you want. Before you pick up that hammer or paintbrush, it’s smart to know which projects could backfire. Here are six common DIY fixes that can hurt your home’s resale value—and what you should do instead.
1. Removing Bedrooms to Create Bigger Spaces
Turning two small bedrooms into one large suite sounds appealing. You might want a bigger master or a home office. But most buyers look for more bedrooms, not fewer. The number of bedrooms is a key factor in your home’s value. Fewer bedrooms can mean fewer interested buyers and a lower appraisal. If you knock down a wall and lose a bedroom, you might regret it when it’s time to sell. Instead, keep the original layout and use furniture or decor to make small rooms feel bigger. If you need more space, consider adding a room instead of removing one.
2. DIY Plumbing and Electrical Work
It’s easy to find tutorials online for fixing a leaky faucet or swapping out a light fixture. But plumbing and electrical work are risky if you’re not a pro. Mistakes can lead to leaks, water damage, or even fires. Home inspectors spot amateur work fast, and buyers get nervous about safety. Bad wiring or plumbing can also cause problems with insurance or code compliance. If you need to update these systems, hire a licensed professional. It’s safer, and it protects your home’s resale value.
3. Over-the-Top Customization
You want your home to reflect your style. But bold paint colors, themed rooms, or unique tile patterns can turn off buyers. Most people want a home they can picture themselves living in. If your kitchen is bright purple or your bathroom has a jungle mural, buyers might see a big project, not a dream home. Custom features are hard to undo and can make your home sit on the market longer. Stick to neutral colors and classic finishes. Save the bold choices for things you can take with you, like furniture or art.
4. Poorly Installed Flooring
Installing new floors can change the look of your home. But DIY flooring jobs often go wrong. Gaps, uneven boards, or bad transitions between rooms are easy to spot. Cheap laminate or peel-and-stick tiles can look worn fast. Buyers notice these flaws and may worry about what else was done poorly. Bad flooring can also be expensive to fix. If you want new floors, consider hiring a pro or at least get advice before you start. Quality flooring adds value, but only if it’s installed right.
5. Garage Conversions Without Permits
Turning your garage into a living space seems like a good way to add square footage. But if you do it yourself without permits, you could be in trouble. Many buyers want a garage for parking or storage. A converted garage can limit your pool of buyers. Worse, unpermitted work can cause legal headaches and lower your home’s value. Appraisers may not count the extra space if it’s not up to code. If you want to convert your garage, always check local rules and get the right permits.
6. DIY Bathroom Remodels
Bathrooms are a big selling point. But DIY remodels often lead to problems. Tile work is tricky, and poor grout or uneven tiles stand out. Plumbing mistakes can cause leaks or mold. Cheap fixtures or shortcuts can make the space look dated fast. Buyers want bathrooms that feel clean and solid. If your remodel looks amateur, it can drag down your home’s resale value. If you want to update your bathroom, focus on small changes like new hardware or paint. Leave the big jobs to professionals.
Protecting Your Home’s Value Starts with Smart Choices
DIY projects can be rewarding, but not every fix is worth the risk. When it comes to your home’s resale value, some jobs are better left to the pros. Think about how your changes will look to a future buyer. Will they see a well-cared-for home, or a list of projects to undo? If you’re not sure, get advice before you start. Protecting your investment means making smart choices now, so you don’t pay for mistakes later.
Have you ever tackled a DIY project that didn’t go as planned? Share your story or tips in the comments.
Read More
6 Home Fixes That Make Things Worse (But Everyone Tries Them Anyway)
9 DIY Mistakes That Cost More Than Just the Repairs
The post 6 DIY Fixes That Can Wreck Your Home’s Resale Value appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
