Eat better – for less
PROPERTY owners turning their hands to do- it- yourself tasks in a bid to save money could actually be costing themselves much more.
Popular home renovation shows on the small screen are drawing many Australians – both landlords and owneroccupiers – to attempt their own tradie work.
But experts are warning those to think twice before rolling up their sleeves for home renovations.
Figures by Jim’s Group building maintenance franchisees found about 25 per cent of work they do involves fixing problems created by property owners who have failed in their attempts at DIY repairs or renovations.
Electrician Shannon Spirou, 30, said too often he sees poor tradesmanship or unqualified people attempting working, which can backfire on the owner if something does go wrong.
“Essentially you get what you pay for. You have sometimes got qualified tradesmen going around there and doing the wrong thing,’’ he said.
“Don’t get any old peanut to do the work, it’s important the work done keeps you safe and the property is safe. Some of the stuff I have seen is just horrendous.”
Landlord insurer Terri Scheer’s executive manager Carolyn Parrella warned owners that home renovations “are not as easy as they look on TV.”
“There are implications from a safety perspective and a liability perspective and they aren’t to standard and somebody is injured as a result of that,’’ she said.
“It’s a double- edged sword because you might be thinking ‘ I can do this it will save me money’, but if it hasn’t worked right you have to pay again to have it done properly.”
Ms Parrella said tasks including painting are not a concern because it’s an aesthetic change, whereas knocking out walls or electrical works must be done by a qualified tradesperson.
Insurance Council of Australia’s spokesman Campbell Fuller also warns homeowners to check whether renovations are included in your home insurance policy.
“Let your insurer know you will be carrying out the renovations yourself,’’ he said.
“Make sure you work with licensed tradespeople; damage to your property resulting from works carried out by unlicensed tradespeople may not be covered by your insurance policy.” RED ALERT: Tip Top Electrical’s Shannon Spirou believes it's important for home renovators to find experienced tradies.