If you’re like most savvy homeowners, you probably want to save money on home improvements by doing them yourself. But, it’s important to note that not all home renovations are smart to tackle yourself. In some cases, you’ll need the expertise of a professional to ensure timely and proper completion of the project, and in others, it’s perfectly acceptable to complete the job on your own. The question that remains is, how do you know when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you determine the answer:
#1. Have you done similar projects in the past?
These days, you can learn a lot from a YouTube tutorial, but it can’t replace years of experience and knowledge. If the most you’ve done from an home improvement standpoint in the past is painting the walls and plunging the toilet, you’re probably not ready to tackle a full-on kitchen renovation.
#2. Do you have a backup plan if something goes wrong?
One of the many reasons why it’s so hard for most professional remodeling companies to nail down specific timelines and stick with timeframes (we should note, though, that at Daniels Design & Remodeling, we pride ourselves in sticking to the agreed-upon schedule) is because it’s not uncommon for unexpected issues to arise, no matter how big or small the project may be. If you’re doing a DIY project and this happens, however, it’s important to have a backup plan in place. If you have no idea what you would do if something were to go wrong, you’re probably better off leaving it to the professionals.
#3. How much time do you have to dedicate to the project?
One common mistake DIY remodelers make is severely underestimating the time it takes to finish a project. After all, most homeowners have their own full-time jobs, families and responsibilities they have to deal with, and they can’t dedicate as much time to the project as they need to.
#4. Is it safe to DIY?
Not every project will be safe for homeowners to tackle on their own, no matter how experienced they are. Steer clear of any projects having to do with natural gas piping or electrical lines. In addition to some projects being dangerous for you, other projects may put your home at risk. For example, knocking down a wall seems simple enough, but if it’s a load-bearing wall, or a wall that has plumbing or wiring behind it, you could create some serious hazards in your home.
#5. Do you have the tools and equipment?
In some cases, even the most experienced, knowledgeable DIYers are better off leaving a project up to the professionals, simply because they don’t have the tools or equipment to get the job done. You’d be surprised at how quickly renting or buying this equipment can be, sometimes, even outpacing the costs of hiring a contractor.
While some renovation projects are perfectly appropriate to handle on your own, it’s important to make sure you’re ready to take on the job before you get started. For all of those other times, when you need the help of a pro, lean on Daniels Design & Remodeling. Contact us today to get started.