Finishing Touches You Think You Can Do Yourself — But Really Should Leave to Your Builder
- Emma Hannay
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
When a renovation or extension is nearly complete, it’s natural to look at those last few details and think, “I can do that myself.” Social media makes finishing touches look quick, tidy and strangely satisfying — a dab of paint here, a neat line of silicone there. But in reality, some of these “small jobs” play a huge part in the final look of your home. Done well, they elevate the finish. Done poorly, they stick out a mile.
The good news? Leaving key finishing touches to your builder doesn’t mean losing control. It simply ensures that the investment you’ve made in the main works is complemented by a polished, professional end result.
The Myth of the Easy Finishing Touch
Influencers make everything look simple: no mess, no prep, no unexpected hiccups. But what you don’t see are the years of practice, the specialist tools or the unforgiving nature of final details.
Finishing touches are where imperfections show most clearly. A slightly uneven line of silicone or a tile just a few millimetres out can distract from an otherwise beautiful space.
That’s why these supposedly “quick jobs” can have the biggest impact on your overall finish — and why passing them back to your builder is often the best decision.
Finishing Touches Best Left to the Professionals
1. Final Decorating & Paintwork
Painting looks easy. Achieving a flawless, even finish is not.
Professional decorators don’t just paint — they prepare. Walls are skimmed, sanded, filled, primed and checked again before a brush ever touches them.
A patchy wall or wobbly cutting-in line can instantly cheapen the appearance of a high-quality renovation.
2. Tiling and Grouting
Laying tiles is like completing a puzzle — but in real life the pieces don’t always fit perfectly.
Builders account for levelling, spacing, adhesive depth and layout symmetry. If these details are even slightly off, the whole area can look uneven, and grout lines may crack later.
3. Silicone and Sealants in Kitchens & Bathrooms
This is one task many people feel confident about — until they try it.
Neat, even silicone lines are surprisingly difficult to achieve. Poor application can cause leaks, mould and long-term damage.
Professionals use the right sealant type, the right pressure and the right technique for each surface.
4. Flooring Finishes: Skirting, Thresholds & Trims
Once the flooring is down, the finishing touches are what make the space feel complete.
Skirting boards, edging trims and floor transitions need precision. If they’re slightly off, they highlight any inconsistencies in the floor rather than hide them.
5. Electrical Faceplates & Fittings
These should always be fitted by the electrician.
Not only is it safer, but tightening faceplates incorrectly can crack them or place strain on the wiring.
You’ll also need these items installed by the professional who carried out the electrical work to maintain certification.
6. Snagging Adjustments
Tiny tweaks make a huge difference — door alignment, hinge adjustments, cabinet levelling and soft-close mechanisms.
These are quick jobs for a builder with the right tools, but can be frustrating and fiddly for homeowners.
Why It’s Worth Letting Your Builder Handle the Last Details
A cohesive finish: Your builder understands the overall design and ensures every detail works together smoothly.
Avoiding costly rework: Small mistakes can damage expensive materials or require undoing completed work.
Time saved: You avoid spending evenings and weekends on tasks that take a professional minutes.
Guaranteed quality: The same team that built the project finishes it to the right standard.
Finishing touches may be small, but they’re the details you’ll see every single day. Getting them right the first time matters.
How to Work Smoothly With Your Builder at This Stage
Discuss finishing expectations early in the project.
Ask for a clear list of what’s included and what isn’t.
Allow enough time at the end for snagging — it’s normal and essential.
Don’t be shy about asking questions; your builder wants you to be happy with the final result.
Conclusion
Taking on a few simple tasks yourself can feel rewarding, but some finishing touches truly are best left to the experts. Letting your builder handle these details means your home ends up looking as good as the investment you’ve made into it — beautifully finished, durable and ready to enjoy.
About Rogate Construction
Rogate Construction works across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey, delivering extensions, renovations, kitchens, bathrooms and full refurbishments with a friendly, stress-free approach. We also work closely with trusted local architects and can recommend the right professionals if you’re at the early planning stage. Our experienced team manages projects from start to finish, ensuring every detail is completed to a high standard.
Comments