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According to Realtor.com (see link below), many DIY projects inspired by social media can end up costing you when it comes time to sell. Here’s their list, along with my thoughts on this list.
1. Tossing out your kitchen cabinet doors
These can look okay, but require attractive kitchen supplies that are displayed in a decorative manner. That is more of a hassle than many buyers want to deal with so missing cabinet doors can be viewed as something that needs to be repaired. Cabinets without doors can look messy and unfinished without extra effort and talent. If you still want to try this project, I recommend you remove the doors of just a few cabinets and keep the doors in case you change your mind and in case your buyer’s want them.
2. Replacing all your kitchen cabinets with open shelves
This is a lot like number one on this list, with many of the same concerns. Again, if you want to try this project, I suggest replacing only a few of your cabinets with shelves.
3. Removing a closet, or turning it into something other than storage
This can work if you have plenty of other closets and storage, but is generally not a good idea when considering resell appeal. Like with items one and two on this list, if you do this project, do it in such a way that converting back to a closet is as easy as possible.
4. Painting a floor
This is usually a short term solution that does not hold up well to traffic, so often looks cheap and beat up after a short period of time. If you do decide to do this, make sure you add several layers of high traffic clear coat after painting.
5. Wallpaper
Wallpaper has regained some popularity. The key is to go with less personalized patterns and to use sparingly, like an accent wall. Also, be aware that hanging wallpaper correctly and matching patterns can be tricky.
6. ‘Distressing’ your cabinets
This type project is better suited to free-standing furniture or accent pieces than to an entire kitchen.
7. Painting walls a dark color
Overly dark walls are better suited as accents walls than they are for an entire room.
8. Applying stick-on tiles
These can look okay in the short run as a backsplash in a kitchen, but often don’t hold up well due to poor adhesion, especially in a kitchen with heat from cooking and moisture from cooking and doing dishes. These can look good in a photo, but often look cheap close-up. Some people report good results with these, so if you do decide to use them, go with a high quality product.
These are just a few of many DIY projects that can do more harm than good if not done well and not done in moderation. With that said, if you are not concerned about resell, you should feel free to do whatever project makes you happy.
Sources:
1. Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/eight-diy-projects-that-make-your-home-harder-to-sell/?identityID=605ba5b2aaa00400d35db9b9&MID=2022_0519_NL_Multi_Article_A&RID=25145355622&cid=eml_promo_Marketing_NonPRSL_MultiArticleNL_cons.14702382_2022_0519_NL_Multi_Article_A-article4-blogs_sell
2. Google Images: Creative Commons Licenses
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