From Grand Designs to 60 Minute Makover, TV shows are educating the nation in the worlds of architecture, construction and interior design.
Suddenly, people all over the country are building garden offices, painting feature walls and creating walk-in wardrobes from MDF and old curtains.
It’s all great fun but, as a property professional, you know home improvements can also increase the value of houses – but only if done properly.
Whether you’re a mortgage adviser or an estate agent, you want your clients to get the most from their long-term investment in bricks and mortar.
So this means knowing when to let Grampa Jack loose with a power drill or when to call in the professionals.
Here are the top five areas where you should tell Grampa to step away from the table saw.
Electrics
It’s shocking how many homeowners attempt electrical work. From replacing sockets to major cabling revamps, the stories of badly botched projects are simply hair-raising. A property pro will always advise clients to call in an accredited electrician. That way the work can be certified as safe and guaranteed.
Gas
Just like electricity, gas is never something you want to take any chances with. If you’re a property manager and you smell gas, don’t panic or play about with the pipework. If it’s safe to do so, turn off the source using the valve at the meter and call the 24-hour Gas Emergency Services line on 0800 111 999.
Asbestos
A bit like dearly departed Great Uncle Harry, asbestos is a pest from the past that can haunt homes for years.
If you suspect there’s asbestos in a property you’re handling, ensure the owners don’t try to remove it themselves. This work should only be carried out by trained professionals, such as an asbestos surveyor.
Wonder wall
There’s something strangely satisfying about hitting a wall with a sledgehammer. Not quite so enjoyable is having the house fall down around you.
Any major structural work should be assessed by a structural engineer then carried out by a professional builder. There are also planning checks, so seek advice from the local council before any project gets under way.
Plumbing
Finally, there’s a world of difference between fixing a leaky tap to fitting a power shower. While a new bathroom with Jacuzzi bath will add value to your clients’ home, a flooded house will be harder to sell and leave you in soapy bubble.
If any project involves lots and lots of water, call in a professional plumber.
For all the best roles in Property check out s1jobs.com