When planning a home renovation project such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s not uncommon to wonder if you can do it yourself or if a pro is needed. Tackling a project yourself can be enjoyable and save money on labor costs. But doing it yourself is a tradeoff. You may save money, but will you complete the job safely and timely, and will you be happy with the results?
When to Hire a Home Remodeling Pro
Can you handle a home addition or room remodel yourself? Even if you know your way around power tools, the home renovation project you have in mind may exceed your current skill set. Getting in over your head or making a disastrous mistake may cost you more than if you had just hired a contractor from the start. How do you know when you should hire the experts?
When Are Permits Required For Home Remodel? Jobs that involve electrical, structural, plumbing or other major work require proper permitting. These jobs require specific training, so it’s wise to hire a pro to do the job.
You have a timeline. Hiring a contractor speeds up the project, completing it well before a DIY-er could.
You want someone overseeing the project. A licensed contractor will supervise the job from beginning to end. They will take care of everything, including obtaining permits, hiring subcontractors, scheduling inspections and more.
You’ve never done a home improvement project. If you’re not handy or lack confidence in your skills, you should hire an experienced company to do the job correctly.
Contractors carry insurance. Reputable contractors have insurance that protects you (the homeowner) if a mistake occurs or if they damage your property. DIY-ers are responsible for any problems that arise.
Some projects, such as bathroom and kitchen renovations, may involve plumbing, structural and electrical changes and require a professional to complete those safely and correctly.
When to DIY Home Remodeling Project
Want to try your hand at doing your own home improvement projects? Choose small projects that you have the time and energy for. Only tackle DIY jobs that are safe and that you have the skills to complete. Remember that mistakes happen, so make sure the project you choose won’t be ruined or require professional intervention if you make an error. Test your do-it-yourself skills this weekend with a fun and easy project but leave the big jobs for the professionals.
Here are a few DIY projects you can try yourself:
- Painting
- Restoring furniture
- Fixing or building a fence
- Wallpapering
- Build a raised garden bed
- Install vinyl flooring
- Replace a faucet
Avoid DIY Regret
DIY home improvement has become a trend. Videos of home projects are splattered all over social media making renovation look easy. The before and after shots give homeowners the impression they only need a video, a tool belt and a weekend. But those clips fail to show the in-between: how long the project took, how many mistakes occurred, and the person’s skill set.
Whether you hire a professional or not also depends on your expectations for the final result. Even if you’re a first-time DIY-er, you can learn to do some simpler DIY projects, but you won’t have the experience or know-how the pros have. Over the years, they pick up tricks and techniques that help them tackle issues you may struggle with.
Are You Ready to DIY or Hire a Pro?
Attempting to tackle a major home improvement project to save some money is understandable. However, the potential for things to go wrong is relatively high. Some projects can be dangerous for you, your family and your home. Others may get you in hot water with the local building authority if it’s not permitted or completed to code. It’s best to hire a contractor who is experienced and knowledgeable in construction than cause injury or financial ruin by trying to do it yourself.