Definitely seen this bite people during closings. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Appraisers will flag unpermitted work, especially if it looks recent or doesn’t match the rest of the house. That can stall everything.
- Lenders get nervous about safety and liability—sometimes they’ll flat out refuse financing until it’s fixed or permitted.
- Even if you “save” money upfront, fixing DIY mistakes later (or getting permits retroactively) usually costs more.
I get the urge to DIY, but for stuff behind the walls? Not worth the gamble. Had a seller once who tried to wire in a new bathroom fan... ended up frying half the upstairs lights. Just call the pro.
I get where you're coming from, but sometimes the blanket “always call a pro” advice isn’t realistic for everyone’s budget. If someone’s handy and checks local codes, minor stuff like replacing outlets or fixtures can be doable. Isn’t there a balance between DIY and safety? Not everyone’s project is a total disaster waiting to happen... though I’ve definitely seen some wild attempts.
I hear you—hiring a pro for every little thing isn’t always doable, especially when you’re already stretching the budget with a refi. I’m all for a bit of DIY if you know what you’re doing and double-check the codes. That said, I’ve seen some “creative” wiring jobs during inspections that made me want to run for the hills... Sometimes saving a couple bucks now can cost a lot more later, especially if something goes wrong. I guess for me, it’s about knowing your limits and not being afraid to call in help when things get over your head.
Totally get where you’re coming from. When I bought my place, I thought I could handle a bunch of stuff myself—patching drywall, swapping out light fixtures, that kind of thing. But then I tried to fix a leaky faucet and ended up making it worse... had to call a plumber anyway. Now I try to figure out what’s actually doable for me before diving in. If it’s electrical or anything with gas, I just don’t mess with it. Sometimes paying a pro is just less stressful in the long run.
If it’s electrical or anything with gas, I just don’t mess with it. Sometimes paying a pro is just less stressful in the long run.
I hear you on that. I thought I’d be all DIY when I moved in, but reality hit fast. Tried to install a ceiling fan—watched a bunch of YouTube videos, figured it looked simple enough. Halfway through, wires everywhere, breaker tripped, and I’m sweating bullets thinking I’m about to burn the place down. Ended up calling an electrician and just watched him do it in like 15 minutes. Felt a little silly, but honestly, not worth the stress.
I’m still stubborn with some stuff though. Painting? I’ll tackle that all day. But if it involves anything behind the walls or under the floors, I’m out. Sometimes it’s just better to admit defeat and let someone who knows what they’re doing handle it.
