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You want top dollar for your property and a fast sale. Some DIY projects can make a significant impact on your home’s value and can be completed in the space of a long weekend. Give your home an advantage over others with a little elbow grease, wisdom and a few days of work.

Landscaping

The first thing to consider upgrading is your home’s curb appeal, and according to some professionals it’s one of the best DIY projects to add resale value to your home. Tidy existing landscaping, wash your walkways and driveway and manicure your lawn. Consider adding plants that require minimal upkeep and mulching plant beds. Does your landscape need some color? One suggestion is to include annuals in your plant beds. Annuals are prolific bloomers and are inexpensive. Select plants that suit the landscape location; if you don’t meet a plant’s sun and water requirements you won’t have blooms.

Fencing

Do you own a swimming pool? DIY Network recommends fencing to meet codes in most locations. Aim for a minimum of 4 feet high and a self-closing gate. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing hinges too weak for the weight of their gate. Remember that materials like pressure-treated lumber are really heavy and will require substantial hinges.

Painting

Refreshing your home’s walls is a quick and easy way to boost your property’s value. Choosing light, neutral colors will brighten rooms with an up-to-date, clean and well-kept look. You can purchase an inexpensive paint since the new owner may wish to make changes anyway, but you’ll still accomplish your goal. To simplify your work and make rooms flow, consider using the same color on adjoining walls.

Bathroom update

Is your guest bathroom looking shabby? Updating these sometimes forgotten rooms can be a boon when you sell. Install new hardware and fixtures and re-grout the shower. If the room is outdated and you can dedicate your long weekend, consider installing a new backsplash to bring it up to speed. Measure carefully and purchase enough tiles for your whole project to prevent running short in the midst of your work.

When to hire help

While many of us are tackling DIY projects these days, sometimes it’s smart to hire a professional. How do you know when you’re in over your head? Consider how much you enjoy the kind of project you’re contemplating. Also consider if you have the skills necessary to complete a particular job. Are measuring and doing manual labor up your alley? As some experts point out, even simple jobs can offer challenges, such as work requiring a lot of cutting and measuring; a small mistake can mean a lot of backtracking.

Some jobs require meeting codes and could mean costly fines if completed incorrectly, and some projects can be disastrous if you complete the work poorly, such as electrical work and plumbing. If a project exceeds your experience or requires specialized training, think twice about attempting it. When in doubt, you’re better off hiring help.

Whom do you hire?

Hiring a contractor can feel complicated, but as This Old House explains you have a couple resources. Reach out to people you know for recommendations, or check with a local building inspector or lumber yard for trustworthy names. Call the pool of candidates and meet them to discuss the work before making your selection. Get everything in writing before your project begins.

Making room

Whether you DIY or hire a pro, you may need help moving large items and getting your belongings to and from storage. Consider hiring a moving and packing service to ensure your items are handled properly. Then when you sell your home, connect with a professional moving company to do the work. You’ll save backbreaking labor and won’t need to call in favors from friends and family members.

DIY weekenders

Sometimes a few days of good work can make all the difference when selling your property. Make good choices and hire help when you need it. You’ll have a competitive edge when you list your home for sale!

Article provided by Bret Engle from DIYGuys.net

Janis Peterson, REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, SRES, CSP
Main Line Homes Luxury Real Estate Agent

Keller Williams Main Line
Suburban Square
6 Coulter Ave 
Ardmore, PA 19003 
Direct: 610-642-3744 
www.mainlinehomes.com
Janis@mainlinehomes.com