When you decide to do a home improvement many times you ask yourself whether I should do it yourself (DIY) or hire a pro. Doing it yourself usually brings a sense of self-accomplishment and saves money. Sometimes it is wise to have a professional contractor handle the job especially when it is complicated, lack of experience, and/or when you do not have proper tools. Following tips when to DIY improvements:
Small projects – If not experience at home improvement projects only consider small projects at first. Before starting the project, do research on how to successfully do and complete the project. There are many resources available to access information.
Patience – There will be the need to have patience because you either can make a mistake on your estimate, supplies, or need to redo something that did not get the look you wanted. Realizing your DIY project may not be perfect on the first try and be flexible to work through your errors.
Hobby - If you are a person who enjoys carpentry, painting, etc., then there is a strong possibility you will enjoy doing DIY projects. Also, you may want to do the project even though the result may not be perfect if it had been done by a pro.
OK with good enough – You realize the project may not turn out as good as if a pro had done the job. If there are minor imperfections, you are okay with living with the results. If this is true, then it is okay to go ahead with DIY project.
Tips when best to hire home improvement pro:
Serious or disastrous consequences – If a mistake causes the home to be unsafe or may cause a fire this is the reason not to do home improvement yourself. These types of mistakes could be expensive and difficult to correct. Use a reputable contractor who has insurance and provides a warranty for their work which will protect the homeowner.
Permits – Many localities require local permits before certain types of improvements can be made, such as electrical and structural, etc. This requires the contractor to be licensed for that type of work. The person doing these types of jobs must have specialized knowledge, so it is advisable to have a pro doing the work.
Time spent elsewhere – Need to determine if your time might be more productive doing something else and allow a pro to do the project. You may want to spend more time with your family and/or do other activities that are very important.
Selling home – If you are planning to sell your home using a contractor is safer, you want the home in the best possible condition. If buyers discover there were DIY projects done with visual errors, they will wonder what other problems may exist.
If you decide to hire a contractor, it is important to have a written agreement including an estimate. Prior to getting an estimate get references and contact them. In addition, make the contractor provide you with a license and insurance for the type of work they will be performing. Another possibility, you may want to have a pro perform specialized work such as electrical, plumbing, etc. Doing this you could act as the general contractor and perform other minor tasks. Finally, before doing a home project, be honest with yourself, understanding your experience and difficulty of the job before deciding to DIY.
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