Who doesn’t love the myriad of home improvement shows on television these days? Flipping, flopping, re-inventing – they make it all look so easy! They can completely transform a space while you sit back on the couch and relax for half an hour. Of course, as viewers we’re not so naïve to think that is all it takes, but it does plant the idea that anyone can become a ‘do-it-yourselfer’. 

For many people – myself included – the idea of taking on a project yourself is great [in theory], but the reality of completing it to a standard you’re happy with can sometimes fall-short.

If you are planning on making some changes to your investment property – whether large or small – it’s important that you do it right the first time. A dodgy job won’t help increase your rental value. 

Enlisting the help of trades and services will cut down the stress and time it takes to get your investment property looking fresh. 

If a job is done incorrectly, or is left uncompleted, you may be contacting professionals in the no-too-distant future to fix up your handy-work. 

While it may involve spending a little more money, getting it right the first time will save you a lot more money long-term.

It is best to ensure that any upgrades to your rental property, whether done out of necessity or by choice, are carried out correctly and safely. For some types of work, it is imperative to engage professionals to ensure work is done correctly. A tradesperson will ensure work is completed to standard and almost always provide a warranty of work completed. 

Your property managers can help take the stress of organising this away from you. After all, taking care of maintenance falls within their service, not to mention expertise - from organising quotes, booking in trades/handyman to ensuring correct notice to tenants and access to the property. 

Small changes, such as new door handles or upgrading blinds throughout a property may instantly modernise it, with only a few tools and little skill needed, but will tenants really see the value in this? A fresh coat of paint, or replacing old carpets, for example, may require a little more time and skill, but may result in tenants being prepared to pay higher rent.  

If you feel your property could use a bit of an update but you’re not sure where to start, talk to your property manager about what upgrades or add-ons will be of the most benefit to your property. 

Be reasonable with your ideas, budget and time frame. The reality between saving money by doing it yourself and the time and effort required to achieve a quality outcome may differ somewhat (not to put a dampener on anyone’s painting ability!).

Just remember, any plumbing, electrical and refrigeration work needs to be completed by a licensed tradesperson.