Five DIY renovating jobs that should be left to the professionals

A renovation is never a straightforward project, especially when you intend to do it yourself.

If you have the tools, the skills and the time, it can be a cost-effective option. But first, consider projects that are within your capabilities. Those attempting to do more complicated jobs themselves could finish with a second-rate finish, give up, or opt for a qualified trade to fix the blunders.

“The main DIY projects my trades and I are getting called to are bathroom renovations,” says Victorian-based builder Bryce Marshall, director of B.N Marshall Builders. “Some think that they can get away with a cheap bathroom but that’s not always the case due to the amount of trades needed to complete it properly.”

Be sure to keep your budget in mind when you begin a DIY job and consider how much a blunder will cut into profits if you decide to sell.

Dion Besser, managing director at Besser & Co in Melbourne, explains his rationale for renovating if you’re looking to sell.

“I work off a formula of 1 per cent,” he says. “For example, for a $500,000 home, you should spend no more than $5000 on it prior to sale. This will mean you won’t over-capitalise.”

Before you hire that drop-saw, consider the mistakes that come with DIY jobs to avoid the regret.

1. Laying floating floorboards

If you’ve never pulled up old floorboards, screeded concrete or levelled a floor, installing floating floorboards may seem like a simple task. But doing it right takes time, patience and work.

“Preparation is the key to laying any floor,” says Marshall. “You must make sure the slab is nice and flat with no major humps and bumps.”

This simple error can prevent tongue-and-groove flooring from locking in correctly and result in floorboards squeaking, creaking and moving underfoot. Skipping the prep work can be a costly mistake, especially if you’re considering selling.

2. Building a deck

A professionally built deck can rack up a significant bill. According to Marshall, a 3 x 5-metre merbau deck on stumps will set you back at least $4000.

“As you add handrails, steps and raise up off the ground the price starts to increase,” he says.

That’s a substantial amount of money to lay out if you feel you can produce a similar result with your own two hands. However, it’s not as simple as laying a few timber boards.

“I think the major hurdle is using the correct materials and knowing their maximum limits,” says Marshall. “For example, using the right material for the stumps and posts, and having the right spacings for the bearers and joists so they’re not overloaded and bowing.”

Marshall also says you’ll need a registered builder for any structural work, which includes most decks.

Unless you’re laying decking over an existing outdoor platform such as a concrete slab or replacing an existing deck, you’ll need to follow the council’s current regulations. If you ignore these regulations and proceed with a DIY deck, it could affect a sales process in the future.

“Sales is all about trust,” says Besser. “The more confidence you can give the buyer, the more likely they will pay good money for your home.”

Without the appropriate approvals in place, the real estate agent cannot provide potential buyers with accurate information, which can hinder the sale. Before you dig up your backyard, ensure you have a permit.

3. Painting over tiles

It’s the DIY money-saving trick of the last two decades, yet painting over tiles is here to stay. So why paint over bathroom tiles? Instead of the hard slog of removing tiles, cleaning off grout, waterproofing and relaying tiles, painting means that you can get the job done quickly and on budget.

Painting tiles can revamp your tired bathroom, but weigh up the positives and negatives of this hack before jumping in.

“You’ll find tiles from the ’70s or ’80s are good-quality tiles. Painting over them is a cost-effective solution,” says Besser. “However, [a] bad job will hinder the sale, whether it is painting walls or painting tiles.”

Without properly cleaning and sanding the tiles, your paint will flake and peel, meaning starting again may be your only option. Before attempting this project, get a quote from a professional to see if the DIY route is worth the hassle.

4. Building a retaining wall

Constructing a retaining wall that can hold the load of your garden takes more skill than you may think. You need to consider the load, the depth of the foundation and the height of the wall so it will be stable and, most importantly, remain that way.

“If you’re building a simple garden bed then DIY is okay, but when you try to retain a large mass like a tiered backyard or a neighbour’s boundary, a retaining wall needs to be done properly from the start or there could major problems,” says Marshall.

Remember, if you’re building a wall close to neighbouring boundaries or changing the level of your garden, check if engineering plans and a permit from your local council are required.

5. Plastering

Plastering is messy, time-consuming and labour-intensive. Mixing plaster, creating a smooth finish and sanding it without causing dips or scratches can be the difference between a good job and a botched job.

“Finishing plaster is certainly a skill that can only be mastered by doing it repeatedly to get the right action,” says Marshall. “Hanging plaster is the easier component [but] if you’re planning on finishing plaster, you’re going to be in for a lot of hard, messy work trying to sand it to near smooth.”

A DIY project of any size is a large task to undertake, so make sure you’re prepared for the challenges involved before diving in. It could be the difference between reaping the financial benefits of a job well done or taking a substantial hit to the hip pocket.