Home Improvements and Upgrades: Hire a Professional or DIY?

Homeowners considering taking on a few projects around the house may be wondering if they can handle it themselves with a few tools and perhaps a set of helping hands. Of course, many are also wondering how to know when to hire a professional contractor for certain complex or high-risk home upgrades. Before heading to the hardware store or searching for contractors, take these aspects into consideration when deciding whether or not to DIY a home improvement project.

Evaluating DIY Capabilities

By making an honest assessment of their skills before undertaking any project, Rutland North homeowners can determine if they have "the right stuff" to successfully complete the work. Essential questions one should ask themselves include:

• What skill level is required, and do I have it?
• How much do I really enjoy getting physical for home upgrades?
• Do I have the patience and persistence to get it done?
• How well do I understand the steps and processes of this particular project?
• Can I do this alone, or do I need skilled labour assistance?

One of the biggest mistakes that a DIY-eager owner can do is overestimating their handyman abilities. Quite often, homeowners start a project they can't finish, and this can lead to shoddy work, dangerous shortcuts, and higher costs down the road when they finally bring in a professional.

Safety First

Tasks such as electrical work and repairing roofing can be highly risky, so those with no experience might want to get an expert to assist with these dangerous projects. No home improvement project is worth risking serious injuries, as fatalities can result from improper processes performed by a well-meaning DIY owner. Make health and safety priority number one.

Projects Better Left to the Pros

DIY projects are fun to work on and offer a sense of accomplishment when completing home improvement projects. However, several home improvement projects require special licensing and expertise to complete appropriately. Common home improvement projects better left to the professionals include:

• Roofing repair projects
• Major plumbing problems
• Electrical and wiring issues
• Central heating and air conditioning malfunctions
• Structural changes, such as moving walls, changing the home’s layout, or additions
• Foundation repair
• Window replacement 

Timing Considerations

Even skilled DIY-ers may find that DIYing isn't the right way to go. It is also important to consider how much time the project will realistically take. Painting a room or refinishing cabinets may seem like no big deal, but if the homeowner is working a full-time job, has dependents to care for, or is otherwise generally short on free time, the project may not get done in a reasonable timeframe. In this case, it might be better to hire a professional who can complete the work in a fraction of the time so the project won't remain in an unusable limbo.

Factor in the skill level when calculating timeframes. Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers may want to double or triple time estimates and consider any repercussions if the project isn't completed for a while—such as losing the use of a bathroom during a bathroom upgrade project.

It's easy to underestimate just how time-consuming even seemingly small projects can turn out to be. When it comes to DIY endeavours, be prepared to dedicate a considerable amount of the coming days, weeks, or even months to the project, whether for standard updates or full energy-efficient upgrades. Additionally, consider that if the work goes awry or goes beyond your capabilities, many contractors are hesitant to take on botched jobs.

Tools and Supplies

Are the right tools for the home project ready to go in the garage or will purchasing or renting them be necessary? Is there a convenient way to get any materials and large supplies to the home, and where will they be sourced from? Know in advance what supplies are needed and have a strategy in place to get them to the site. Getting familiar with the tools and supplies involved before getting started is a wise idea.

Financial Factors

Home repairs and improvements can be expensive, and whether or not to DIY should take budget into account. Often, simple projects such as painting a room are more affordable to DIY than to have done professionally because the money saved on labour exceeds the cost of materials. However, if specialized tools are required, the money and time investment required to buy or rent them and learn how to use them may tip the scales back in favour of calling the pros.

Many individuals simply want to give the DIY route a try to stay within their home remodelling budget. However, doing so could ultimately end up costing more if unexpected repairs are needed or if the job takes a wrong turn. Also, consider how much it will actually cost after obtaining materials and tools and factoring in any delivery charges. It can often be worthwhile to let an expert handle the job.

Permits and Building Codes

Laws, regulations and managed community guidelines often require homeowners to get local permits and meet specific building codes prior to beginning certain types of projects. There are even locales that require many projects to be completed by a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor. Understanding these regulations prior to swinging a hammer is highly advisable—nothing's worse than discovering unpermitted work when buying or selling a home.

Make Informed Choices When Remodelling

Considering making some home improvements and aren't sure which direction to take? Speak with a local contractor or real estate professional for more guidance concerning your remodelling plans.