It’s great to be handy around the home and DIY – but sometimes, it’s safer to leave it to a qualified tradesperson. These are the jobs around the home that you should not tackle.
Selling
Must-do repairs and renovations before selling your home
Discover the essential repairs and smart renovations to complete before selling your home to boost buyer appeal, avoid costly surprises and maximise your sale price.
Preparing your home for sale isn't just about styling and photography. Buyers are often looking for a property that feels well-maintained, safe and move-in ready.
As a result, strategic repairs and renovations can significantly increase your property's appeal, help justify a higher asking price and reduce the risk of issues arising during inspections. Even minor defects can raise red flags for buyers, leading to lower offers or extended time on the market.
The key is knowing where to invest your time and budget for maximum return – and it's entirely possible to make your home look expensive on a budget.
Some repairs can be DIY and some require professional assistance, but both can help drive the value of your property higher.
Essential repairs to complete before selling
Not all repairs are equal. Focus first on issues that could impact safety, functionality or buyer trust.
Fix obvious maintenance issues
Small problems can signal neglect to potential buyers. These are typically inexpensive to fix but can make a noticeable difference. See whether you need to:
- repair leaking taps and toilets - drips suggest plumbing issues and water wastage
- patch holes and cracks in walls - especially in high-traffic areas
- replace broken tiles - especially in kitchens, bathrooms or entryways
- fix squeaky doors and loose handles - quick fixes that improve overall presentation
- repair damaged skirting boards or trims - this helps to create a clean, finished look.
These low-cost fixes can significantly improve the perceived condition of your home.
More: Commonly missed home maintenance issues
Address structural and safety concerns
Serious issues can deter buyers or even cause contracts to fall through after inspection. Make sure to address:
- roof repairs - fix leaks, replace damaged tiles and clear gutters
- electrical faults - ensure wiring, power points and lighting are safe and compliant
- plumbing issues - address leaks, low water pressure or drainage problems
- foundation cracks - have significant cracks assessed by a professional
- mould and damp - treat affected areas and identify the underlying cause.
Buyers often commission building and pest inspections, so resolving these issues in advance can prevent costly renegotiations.
Remember that jobs like plumbing and electrical work should always be left to licensed professionals.
Book a property inspection
You may like to arrange a building and pest inspection before selling a property, so you're aware of any potential problems that could affect your asking price.
A property appraisal with a licensed real estate agent can also give you guidance on where your money can be best spent when updating your home to sell.
How to prepare your home for a better sale price
Improve street appeal
First impressions start before buyers even enter your home. If the house looks shabby from the outside, you may not even get buyers through the front door.
Small cosmetic improvements can make a big difference. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so think about how to maximise it. Consider:
- refreshing exterior paint - particularly the front door, trims and fences
- tidying the garden - mow lawns, prune plants and remove weeds
- cleaning driveways and paths - pressure washing can instantly lift appearance
- repairing fencing and gates - ensure they open smoothly and look well-maintained
- updating house numbers and letterboxes - small details that modernise the exterior.
"Consider your property from the perspective of someone seeing it for the first time," says HTHA Head of Inspections Sales & Operations Kieran Davies. "Some of the first things they'll see are the front door, fence and gardens, so updating these is a worthwhile investment."
Consider how you could improve the street or curb appeal of your property before selling. Image: Getty
Use fresh interior paint
One of the most cost-effective ways to transform a home is a fresh coat of paint. Walls with flaky paint scream 'neglected'.
Repair any superficial cracks and then paint the walls, cornices, skirting boards, door and window frames, and any other surface that won't be compromised by a paint job (such as cabinetry).
Remember that neutral tones like whites, greys and soft beiges help buyers imagine their own furniture and style in the space. You might have really loved that vibrant feature wall, but potential buyers might not.
"Making your home appealing to as many buyers as possible helps increase the likelihood of it selling well," says Davies. "Opting for neutral-toned walls and flooring helps buyers envision themselves in the property."
However, keep in mind that painting over signs of moisture or mould won’t necessarily resolve the underlying issue, and it may still be identified during a buyer’s pre-purchase building and pest inspection.
Improve your flooring
Worn or outdated flooring can quickly date a property, while consistent and well-maintained flooring creates a cohesive and polished look. Replace any stained or damaged carpets, and refinish any timber floors.
If you own an older property, check to see if there are floorboards underneath carpet or vinyl overlays that can be unearthed and revarnished for a sleek finish. Younger homes without floorboards can benefit from having cost-effective quality laminate or tiling installed instead.
Don't forget about the outside of the property either. If you have a deck or verandah, make sure you have any broken boards fixed before giving the whole thing a good clean and re-stain.
A new lick of paint to the exterior and interior of your property is a good investment.
Update your kitchen
If you have a little extra budget to make improvements to your house for sale, the kitchen and bathroom are great choices for increasing value through a minor upgrade or renovation.
The kitchen is often a key decision-making area for buyers. A full renovation isn't always necessary; even modest upgrades can give the kitchen a more contemporary feel without the cost of a complete overhaul.
This could include:
- updating cabinet fronts or repainting cabinetry
- replacing outdated handles and fixtures
- upgrading benchtops if worn or dated
- installing modern splashbacks
- ensuring appliances are clean and in working order
- adding modern conveniences such as a dishwasher and a quality cooktop.
More: How to stick to budget when planning a kitchen renovation or remodel
Refresh your bathroom/s
Bathrooms are another high-impact space that can be given a fresh look without having to do a complete renovation. A fresh, clean bathroom can significantly influence buyer perception.
Consider:
- regrouting tiles and resealing baths and showers
- replacing worn fixtures such as taps and showerheads
- updating vanities or mirrors
- improving lighting for a brighter, more inviting space
- ensuring ventilation is adequate to prevent mould.
"Focus on updating the vanity, sink, tapware and showerhead," advises Davies. "These small changes are economical and can provide a sense of luxury to prospective buyers. If your budget will stretch, a heated towel rail is also a great spend."
Consider energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers, particularly with rising utility costs. While these upgrades may not always be visible, they can be strong selling points during inspections and negotiations.
You could:
- seal drafts around doors and windows
- install or upgrade insulation
- switch to energy-efficient lighting
- service heating and cooling systems
- upgrade to reverse-cycle split-system air conditioning units.
What to avoid before selling
Not every renovation will deliver a return. In some cases, spending more can actually reduce your overall profit. Focus on improvements that enhance broad appeal and perceived value. Avoid:
- highly personalised upgrades - bold colours or niche design choices may not appeal to all buyers
- luxury renovations in mid-range areas - avoid overcapitalising beyond your suburb's price ceiling
- major structural changes - these can be costly, time-consuming and risky close to sale
- DIY work that looks unfinished - poor-quality work can deter buyers and raise concerns.
Final checks before listing your home
Before putting your property on the market, conduct a thorough review to ensure everything is presentable.
Walk through your home as a buyer would and consider a pre-sale building inspection to identify hidden issues. Ensure the property is clean, clutter-free and well-lit, with all lights, doors, windows and appliances functioning properly.
These final steps can help you present your home at its best and avoid surprises during the sales process.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
