By Craig Donofrio | Mar 3, 2015
DIY fixes are a must if you're trying to sell your house. Think about all the home repair projects you've undertaken. Did you cut a few corners, trying to get things done? Did you figure you'd find the time to get back to even out that pain color or fix that broken doorbell? You don't need to hire a handman for a DIY fix that can boost your home's value. You just need to get on task!
Look around and make sure you haven't ignored any of these 10 DIY home repairs that can make a buyer think twice about your asking price.
1. DIY fixes for paint colors that just don't blend in
The color of your home is one of the first things a buyer will notice. If it’s a very different color from your neighborhood or general area, you should paint it something more innocuous. Most buyers don't want to live in the only pink house in town.
The same goes for the interior. If your living room is bright orange, paint over it. Choose a neutral color so buyers can project their own ideas onto it.
2. A front door that's not inviting
The front door is one of the next things a buyer will notice. If the door is flimsy, cheap, or outdated, it’ll discourage the buyer before it's even opened. Spring for a new one—it's one of the most reliable home repairs you can perform to recoup your cost.
3. A busted doorbell
While you're at it, don’t forget the doorbell! Having one that works with a friendly, crisp chime is a sign that your house has been well taken care of.
4. Tattered window and door screen fixes you can DIY
Buyers will notice screens that look more like Swiss cheese than insect shields. You don’t necessarily have to spring for a whole new set—just grab some screen repair patches (they’re cheap) and fill in the tears.
5. Fast fixes for depressing landscaping
As potential buyers drive up to your home, they’ll notice everything—the trees, the grass, the rock pathway, and the plants out front. And it matters. If your lawn is home to a half-dead tree, yellowing grass, unkempt shrubs, and a pathway swallowed by weeds, you might get more lowball offers than you anticipated. DIY fixes to the rescue!
Keep the plants trimmed and the grass freshly cut. Make sure the walkway is clear and fallen branches are removed from the lawn. A fresh layer of mulch will brighten up the outside, too.
6. An unpleasant smell of ... something
Nothing can turn a buyer off faster than the stench of faded cigarettes or poorly trained pets. Of course, it’s hard for us to smell our homes after we’ve lived in them for a while, so ask a diplomatic friend to sniff your place. If it stinks, start cleaning. Easy, peasy DIY fix!
7. Eerie dripping sounds
If potential buyers hear a dripping faucet or running toilet when touring the house, they might start questioning the building’s integrity or the seller’s level of care. These are quick DIY fixes that shouldn’t go ignored.
8. Bad lighting
Replace harsh lights with bulbs that have a softer glow. Clean out light fixtures to get rid of dirt or dead bugs that can mute the lighting (not to mention look gross).
9. Squeaky hinges
Doors that groan when they open are for horror movies, not homes for sale. Grab a lubricant (such as white lithium grease, but in a pinch you can use cooking oil) and grease the hinges to stop the squeak.
10. An outdated kitchen
Completely renovating a kitchen can get real expensive, real fast. Keep it simple by adding a fresh coat of paint. Although we did say you should keep paint colors neutral, here's where you can try something more inviting—like pale yellow, a color we associate with light and joy. Switch out old cabinet knobs and handles for something fresher like nickel cup pulls.
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