Mississauga Real Estate Advice: Should You Hire a Pro or Do-It-Yourself?

Finding a house that meets all of your criteria is an exciting achievement, but turning that house into a home is even better. In the era of DIY shows, home décor blogs and Pinterest, many Mississauga homebuyers are eager to take on projects to make a big impact on a small budget. But when it comes to getting the best return on investment, there are times when you want the expertise of professionals.

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home with a renovation, considering hiring a pro for these projects:

Structural Changes

If you’re altering the structural integrity of the home, such as moving walls, changing the roofline or addressing the foundation, you should consult with an engineer to ensure the long-term stability and safety of your home.

Plumbing, Electrical and Gas Installations or Repairs 

Projects involving plumbing, electrical and gas should be left to qualified licensed contractors to ensure that the work is completed to provincial regulations and code. This type of work can result in safety hazards when done incorrectly, which can cost you more in the long run.

Roofing or Exterior Work Involving Heights

Roofing work or other repairs involving heights require proper safety equipment that the average homeowner does not have access to. Stay safe and leave these jobs to the experts.

Insulation

Many homeowners assume that installing batt insulation or spray foam is an easy project, but it’s best to hire the job out. If there are gaps in the insulation, it can create spots that draw heat and moisture into your walls, which can create expensive problems down the road. 

Mould and Asbestos Removal

The removal of asbestos and mould is another project that should always be left to professionals, especially if you are renovating an older home. Disturbing these materials puts your health at risk.

Carpentry

Carpentry is an art form that when done well can increase the value of your home. When adding built-ins, cabinets or other architectural details, hire a trained carpenter for professional results.

Masonry

Any masonry work that is considered structural, such as a retaining wall or chimney repair, should be handled by a pro to ensure that it is completed properly. Like carpentry, masonry is a skill that is perfected over time and DIY brickwork looks unprofessional and can bring down your home’s value.

Tile

Tile work isn’t as simple as throwing down mortar, laying the tile and grouting the lines. Different types of tile require different prep work, patterns and installation techniques to ensure it will hold up over time. Mistakes are also difficult to hide and fixing them can require removing all the tile and starting from scratch.

Paint

A good, lasting paint job takes a lot of prep work, like wall repairs, scraping off old paint, filling holes, sanding and caulking. If you don’t have the patience, skill, time or tools for this type of work, hire a professional for a quality result. Feeling the itch to paint your kitchen cupboards on your own? Put down the paintbrush and hire a refinishing company to spray your cabinets. Poorly painted kitchen cabinetry can hurt your home’s resale value.

Sound Advice to Guide You Home

Every homeowner loves the sense of pride that comes from completing a renovation on their own, but there are times when hiring a professional makes the most sense. If you are looking to upgrade your home, consult with a realtor to know which renovations will yield the biggest return on investment. 

To learn more, contact Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative/Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) at Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage in Mississauga to book a free home evaluation.