DIY expert reveals the jobs you should always leave to a professional

DIY expert and author Jo Behari has revealed which home improvements we should tackle ourselves and which we should absolutely leave to the professionals.

Bathrooms and kitchens

These are rooms you can typically DIY yourself, unless it involves plumbing.

Jo said: ‘These are typically the most expensive areas for buyers to update, so do what you can to make them look clean and modern.

‘It can be as simple as cleaning any mould and resealing round sinks and baths. You could even upgrade your taps for relatively small cost.’

Your front door and hallway create the first impression

The hallway is definitely an opportunity to use your DIY skills, making it inviting for guests and potential buyers.

‘Hallways should be bright, airy and clear of clutter,’ said Jo.

‘It’s worth painting the front door a bright neutral colour too, or even investing in new door furniture.’

Opt for neutral colours

Painting is probably the most common DIY task we attempt ourselves.

‘If you have lots of bold colours around your home, consider switching it up to a more neutral scheme that offers buyers a blank canvas,’ said Jo.

‘You don’t have to paint the woodwork (unless it’s neon pink), just give it a good clean and paint the walls.’

Call in the experts for jobs that need extra attention

When it comes to jobs that may need some professional help, Jo said that damp patches are a key one – do not attempt to fix a damp problem yourself.

She also said re-plastering, re-wiring and electrics, as well as gas issues, can all go horribly wrong if not handled by an expert.

Jo said: ‘It’s worth spending some money getting these elements up to scratch, as it’ll maximise the value of your home and avoid putting buyers off.’

Ensure external areas are spruced up too

‘Clear any garden clutter, paint unkempt fences and, if you have evening viewings, ensure you have enough light in your outdoor areas – even if that means putting some cost-effective solar lights around your garden in the interim,’ said Jo.

‘It’s a good idea to show an outdoor eating space too, in the form of a bistro or patio set.’

Check the things that buyers will be wary off

Jo said that buyers are often cautious of areas they can’t see.

‘Enlisting the professionals to inspect elements such as your roof, boiler and carry out a damp survey, will give you peace of mind and avoid problems arising once the seller gets their own pre-inspection done.’