How to Know When to Call a Pro or DIY
We all love a good DIY project. In addition to being a great way to save money on home repairs and renovations, doing it yourself can be so satisfying!
And while you would probably like to think you’re capable of tackling any project in your home, the reality is that there are some home improvements that are best left to the professionals.
But how do you know when you can DIY the project and when to call a professional?
Before you decide whether to DIY that next project, be sure to ask yourself these six simple questions to find your answer.
Do you have the skills to finish the project?
Before starting a new project, it’s a good idea to do some research to see what’s involved in completing it.
Watch a few instructional videos and read about ways to finish the job. Then, determine whether you have the skills and ability to tackle each step.
If you feel confident you can finish the job without a problem, go ahead and DIY it!
But if there’s a step in the process you’re not sure about, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Do you have the tools needed to do the job?
Even if you have a big selection of tools at your disposal, some bigger home improvement projects may require special equipment.
While tacking a new job may be within your skill set, having the correct equipment on hand is essential. And sometimes, buying that new expensive tool to finish the DIY project isn’t as cost-effective as hiring a professional – especially if you don’t think you’ll ever use that tool again.
Before starting a new DIY project, it’s always a good idea to see if you have all the tools you need to finish the job.
And if there’s a special tool required, do a quick price check to compare the cost of the new tool to the cost of hiring a professional. If the costs are comparable, it’s probably a better bet to hire a pro.
What is your budget for the project?
The amount of money you have to spend on your home improvement project can be a big factor in deciding whether you should DIY the job or hire a professional.
Before starting any new project, take the time to determine how much you have to spend on the job. Then, get a quote for the project from a professional.
If there is room in your budget to hire some help, go for it! But if your budget is small, you may be forced to do the job yourself to save some money.
How much time do you have to complete the job?
Time is another factor to consider when deciding whether to do a renovation project yourself or to hire a professional. While a professional can often finish a job quickly, doing it yourself usually requires extra time and effort.
In addition to the typical amount of time a job takes, you’ll also need to factor in the time you’ll spend learning how to complete different steps of the process, repairing errors you’ll inevitably make along the way, and shopping for supplies when you run out.
If the job can be done over an extended period of time, you may be able to finish the project yourself.
But if you need the repair finished sooner rather than later, it’s probably a good idea to call a pro to tackle the job for you.
Is the job safe to do on your own?
There are simple jobs around the house that don’t threaten your safety, but there are also big home improvement projects that may be unsafe for an amateur to complete.
In addition to projects that risk your own well-being, like standing on a roof to fix a broken shingle, you should also consider the safety risks that could come along with a badly done project.
While you may save some money rewiring your home on your own, is the fire hazard that comes along with improper wiring really worth it?
If you feel like you’re putting your or your family’s safety at risk, it’s probably time to call a professional.
Do you need special licenses or training to complete the job?
While some jobs, like hanging drywall or installing a new faucet, don’t require special training to finish, there are tons of home improvement projects that do.
Before you tackle one of these specialty jobs, think twice:
- Electrical work
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- HVAC work
- Foundation repairs
- Framing and new construction
All these types of jobs require training to complete. And some of them even require certification.
That means professionals have years of training under their belt to ensure they’re doing the job safely and correctly.
Most homeowners can’t say the same, which means these jobs are best left to the pros.
Some home improvements you can do yourself and some are best left to the professionals. Hopefully, you feel a little more informed now as to which ones to tackle yourself and which to hire help with, so you don’t run into any trouble.
