HOME IMPROVEMENT: WHEN TO DIY AND WHEN TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

Sarah Lifestyle

Owning your own home is a dream come true for most people, but home improvement projects can be a real headache and also add up. According to the National Association of Home Builders, homeowners spent around $150 billion on home improvements in 2013. When it comes to cost, when should you and your family DIY and when should you hire a professional? Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you begin a home improvement venture.

Do You Have the Skill Set to Get the Job Done?

Obviously, you have to know what you are doing in order to undertake any DIY project at home. Bill Jacques, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, notes that when it comes to home improvement projects “The most important thing is to know what the scope is”. Even if you have no experience doing the specific project it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do it. You can find tutorials on YouTube or online for most home improvement projects, from fixing a leaky faucet to simple bathroom remodels. Before you take on a project though, you want to make sure you have the correct tools and done the research to do the project correctly.

How Safe is the Project?

When it comes to your family you always want to put safety first. Make sure before embarking on any DIY project that you put a priority on safety. What is the worst possible thing that can happen if you don’t do the project correctly? Some jobs such as repairing your roof or electrical work might probably give you the answer of you or a family member potentially getting hurt. Any home improvement project that results in an answer like that raises red flags and means that you should hire professionals. The professionals may know how to do the work without putting anyone at risk. However, you may need to research a bit before actually deciding on a Professional Roof repair service or any home improvement service for that matter. This could ensure that the job is done properly and you may not have to worry about home repairs anytime soon.

How Much Time and Money?

The biggest benefit of opting to do any kind of home improvement yourself is the amount of money you can potentially save. However, sometimes once you factor in the cost of materials and the time it will actually take you to complete the job you may realize that hiring a professional may be the way to go. After all, time is money. Get a few quotes from companies first then add up what it would cost to do the same project yourself. Don’t forget to factor in prices of tools and materials and any permits if you need them. Then try to factor in how much time the job will take. Once you have an accurate comparison of the DIY cost of materials and estimation of the time it will take you versus a professional quote, you will have a better idea if the project should be done by yourself or a hired contractor.

Asking yourself these questions before embarking on any home improvement project will lead you toward the best decision for your home, your family and you.