If you're selling a home chances are you're going to get a home inspection report stating that you need to complete some repairs or replacements. This is pretty normal in most real estate transactions but, do you need to hire a professional or can you conduct some of the repairs on your own?
It all depends on the type of repairs requested. Some inspection contingency reports will request all repairs be completed by a professional handyman or contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured. Unless the homeowner is this type of professional, most repairs should be completed by a qualified professional. Other items such as replacing a light switch cover or outlet cover,, replacing burned-out light bulbs or touching up paint in certain rooms or the exterior of the home could probably be completed by most homeowners. Items such as electrical, structural or plumbing should be completed by professional that is skilled in that area.
Related: What if I Don't Agree with the Inspector?
It also depends on if the home buyer requires a professional report after the repairs have been completed. These are all items that can be negotiated so it's best to check with the listing agent on what the buyer is actually requiring. The seller can negotiate with the buyer on completing a lot of the repairs themselves if possible. Certain items may not need a professional while other repairs would need to be completed by a professional in order to make the buyer comfortable about purchasing the property.
Of course most sellers would want to try to save money of possible by doing a lot of the repairs themselves. Items that could really get them in trouble would be repairing or replacing electrical items, wires or circuits that could cause fires or severe damage if done incorrectly.
Plumbing may also be an issue that will need to be covered by a professional. Simple leaks, drippy faucets or running toilets can all be prepared fairly easy by the typical homeowner but larger plumbing issues such as replacing pipe or re-plumbing an appliance should be handled by a professional.
Again, it's going to come down to whether or not the buyer has an aversion to the homeowner doing a lot of their own repairs. The seller may be capable of completing the repairs but if they don't have a license or the experience necessary for certain repairs, the buyer may feel uncomfortable about the quality and integrity of the work.
Plus, the buyer can ask for receipts, reports and invoices of work completed to verify that the repairs were performed by licensed individuals. If all of the repairs that were originally agreed upon are not completed in the manner upon which they were negotiated, the buyer has the right to terminate the transaction request additional repairs.
Read more: Easy Home Maintenance for First Time Home buyers
Bottom line; simply communicate with the buyer about how the repairs can be handled. The buyer understands that the seller is trying to save money as well but certain items should be handled by a professional. Be reasonable, understandable and agreeable in the transaction will be completed in a timely manner.
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