Guest Blogger: Should You Hire a Contractor or Do it Yourself?

Guest Blogger #245, Entry #748, November 8, 2011

7 Essential Property Maintenance Tips

A home is a large investment and if neglected, the property will pay no dividends if you ever decide to sell. Good property maintenance is essential no matter if you are a new homeowner or just interested in real estate investing. If it’s properly maintained and improved, you will see high yield returns and avoid costly repair bills in the long run.

In addition, home improvements tend to propel certain neighborhoods into the desirable category. As a result, property values increase as well. From an economic standpoint, home improvements can bring increased markets for homes in that area, which leads to a more prosperous community.

Should you do it yourself or hire a pro?

Image via: Spring Ville Construction

Obviously, the price you will get for your property investment will be determined, ultimately, by how much a potential buyer wants your home. So if you keep your house well decorated, clean, and well maintained you are much more likely to get top price for it when you decide to sell.

So how can you decide between do-it-yourself (or DIY) renovations vs. hiring a contractor?

Do-it-yourself (or DIY)

If the idea is to make the most money you can for any real estate you invest in which it is you can save a ton of cash by doing much of the essential home maintenance yourself. That is, of course, if you’re handy with tools and have the experience in home renovations. However, if you are not knowledgeable in electrical wiring, plumbing, heating systems, and architecture wiring your property investment or cutting through that walls may cost you more repairs in the long run. In this case you should seek help from the professionals. If you do choose to DIY your home; don’t skimp on the materials. You don’t need to buy the most expensive flooring and kitchen cabinets, however, home decor that looks good is typically also easy to maintain and it will be durable.

Paying a contractor

If you plan to pay a contractor to do your home maintenance, take care to choose one with a reputation for price and quality workmanship. There are several ways to check a contractor’s references, including:

• Ask the contractor for former costumer references
• Do a search through your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agency
• Visit the contractor’s place of business
• Ask for a contractor recommendation through wholesale suppliers
• Ask friends and relatives to recommend a contractor

Once you’ve decided to DIY or hire a contractor, follow this list of essential property maintenance tips to keep the value of your home growing:

Ask for referrals to see how they liked the finish product

Image via: Home Interior Designs

1. Essential home maintenance tools:

Regardless of it you hire a contractor or DIY home maintenance, all home owners should have the basic tools on hand including a range of screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, a measuring tape, caulking, special pliers to strip wires for rewriting plugs, a standard wrench for plumbing leaks, insulation, and gaffer and masking tape. You should also keep a decent ladder on hand for cleaning gutters and for roof and window inspection. Chose a ladder that reaches the very top of your house and keep it safely locked up in your shed or basement when not in use.

2. Essential home necessities:

In addition to the tools above, you’ll also require home consumables like extra fuses and light bulbs, washers, sink and pipe unclogger, grout filler and various screws and wall plugs.

Ensure you have the essentials

Image via: About.com

3. Walls:

The skeleton of your house may endure surface cracks or damage to the wallpaper or paint. Repair any widening cracks as soon as possible. Likewise, keep an eye out for damp or dry rot in your walls especially in the bathroom. You want to ensure that moisture and condensation isn’t settling into the walls by installing a ceiling fan. Small dents and scratches can be easy DIY repairs using new paint or wall decor.

4. Windows:

Check your windows regularly for condensation or leaks. Be sure to wipe away any excess condensation and caulk any leaks. You should also paint wooden windows yourself every three years (minimum) to prevent and restore weather damage.

Ensure windows, floors, and major systems are thoroughly looked at

Image via: Pitut

5. Floors:

The floors in your property will get more damage to them than any other surface especially if you have pets or children, or if you’re doing renovations in work boots. Try your best to keep the carpets dirt free and the hard wood floors unscuffed by keeping mats by all entrances, asking visitors to remove their shoes, and cleaning scuffs and spills quickly. Before you sell, you may also want to rent a carpet steam cleaner or get a professional steam clean service to do it for you.

6. Plumbing:

Tighten any dripping taps with a handy wrench, and check pipes and taps regularly.

7. Electrical:

Basic maintenance, like replacing plugs, can be done on a DIY basis. Just adhere to caution by turning off the power source before you tinker. Any serious problems or major installations should be looked at by a qualified electrician.

Heather J. Sanchez is a freelance writer who enjoys analyzes the truths, debunking the myths, examining the legalities and exposing the trends of real estate investing with her articles. As the owner of multiple rental properties, and flipped houses, Heather believes that Real Estate Investors help put money back into the North American economy. She knows a good real estate investment and a lemon when she sees one and she’ll always provide the solid statistics to back up her facts on why you should invest.

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