Dodgy DIY can decrease Value

[Slade]

I have just finished reading this article;

DIY can knock down value | NEWS.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,25479,24032165-5013951,00.html)

Very interesting, and something I have been questioning myself.. now that times are a little tougher and buyers are getting more picky, the quality of finishes in developments certainly matter.

I know 5 or so years ago, people were paying top dollar for poorly, cheaply finished properties.. but this needs to come to an end.

So what do you think, would you value a house lower that was in a great location with poorly finished work?

[HWT]

It'll only devalue the house if it is obvious that it is lower quality (which was the gist of the article) but it is quite possible to do really REALLY dubious work to a house and hide it well enough that it is only apparent when you come to do further renovation work, or when the dodgy DIY falls down.

[Brendan]

or when the dodgy DIY falls down.

Interesting.. would it be possible that the person you purchased the property off is liable for any of these damages, or their builders if this was the case?

I am assuming the answer is no, since the buyer should have done a building inspection prior to buying the property, but would be interested to hear your views.