20% cause damage while doing DIY

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by Kay Murchie

Research by Churchill Insurance shows that around 20% of homeowners have caused damage to their home during renovations.

It is national DIY this week and presenter of How to be a Property Developer, Gary McCausland, warns potential renovators to be cautious as a growing number of people are turning their hand to DIY in order to add value to their homes.

Gary McCausland remarked that DIY is a national obsession, but when it comes to selling a property a new floor or wallpaper is the last thing on a buyer’s mind.

Furthermore, poor DIY can actually de-value your property. A bodged extension could detract up to £10,000 from the value of a property if it has to be rebuilt or knocked down.

Those considering a home improvement project should be aware of the following: energy efficiency often adds value to a property. In addition, if you are planning to redo your kitchen or bathroom, look at the boiler, if it’s ten years old it may be worth replacing it as part of the project.

Adding a new bedroom or bathroom could add 5% or 6% to the value of a property, but a new boiler and efficient central heating can add 7%.