When to DIY or Hire a Pro
Browsing through online DIY galleries can be a great way to determine which home renovations you’re interested in, and looking up step-by-step instructions is a strategic next step. However, having the skills and patience to complete these projects yourself is a completely different story. In order to determine whether you’re capable of completing renovations, it’s always best to consult a professional for a quote before diving in.
Even if you ultimately opt for a DIY, you’ll at least have peace of mind going into the project knowing that it’s realistic enough for you to complete. With that being said, there will be renovations that go much more smoothly and result in higher quality completion when done by a licensed home remodeler. Below are five common projects that commonly offer the dilemma of choosing between DIY and going with a pro.
Exterior Painting
Painting a bedroom on your weekend off is one thing… but painting your home’s exterior yourself is a very time-consuming project. When painting on interior walls, you usually don’t need to scrape or sand the surfaces before starting. On the flip side, with exterior surfaces, you will almost always need to scrape the old paint and sand prior to repainting. The entire project could take one person several weeks to complete, while a professional painting crew could have the job done in just a few days.
Countertops
Updating countertops can add a lot of value to your home. Although the installation process may seem straightforward, this is a renovation that may be best left to the pros. Renovation professionals know how to take very precise measurements, and they have costly specialty tools made for this exact situation. If you decide to DIY with this project, you risk having visible seams that may bother you until you ultimately call a professional to get them fixed. Additionally, any damage to materials beneath the countertop may not be covered by your home warranty. You will want to ensure all your appliances are protected during a renovation.
Wall Demo
Demolishing a wall is a home project that may seem simple at first glance. In reality, it can be extremely complicated and pricey. Most people probably imagine simply picking up a sledgehammer and going straight for the wall. The reality is, there may be plumbing, gas, or electrical lines running through the wall. In that case, if you live in a house with multiple floors, you’ll need a professional to determine whether or not the wall is load-bearing. If they are, there will need to be changes to the architectural design, and that will ultimately rule out DIY.
However, if you are knocking down a wall that doesn’t have utility lines running through it and you live in a one-story home, you may be able to take on the project yourself. That being said, it’s still a good idea to consult with a professional for advice first.
Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re choosing to go with pre-made cabinets, learning to install them could be learned from an online how-to guide. However, installing pre-made cabinets yourself in a complex kitchen layout could cause for improper installation and end up costing you more in the long run. The last thing you want to do is hire a professional to uninstall, just to then reinstall, your cabinets.
Making The Call
Taking on a home renovation? Wondering, “Should I hire a contractor or do the work myself?” We can help. Whether it’s a total gut renovation or a simple remodel, think long and hard before you decide to DIY.
In many cases, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire a professional contractor to complete the project properly. Remember: just because you’re capable of doing the work yourself doesn’t mean that you always should. This is especially true for jobs involving big structural changes within the home (think: roofing, electrical and ductwork). Not only could doing the work yourself end up costing you more money in the long run (because you may have to pay to repair costly mistakes), but it could also be dangerous.
All in all, make sure you understand how much work you’re facing before you get started. Please don’t hesitate to call 833-GET-AVID for a quote on your home project. You can also email info@avidcontractors.com, or click on our logo below to get your project started!
