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Knowing when you can and should handle a renovation project on your own can be tricky. Perhaps you don’t feel you have the skill or knowledge to tackle projects or even the time? That makes the decision easy: you find a professional renovator. Maybe you are ready to swing the hammer, but aren’t sure if you should? We can help with that.
Why Some Projects Are Best Left to the Pros
Sometimes it’s best to turn over a home renovation project to the professional. While DIY projects are satisfying, professionals will save you time, protect the home, and ensure all legal boxes have been checked. At Great Day Improvements, we can walk you through the process to help you decide what is right for your renovation project.
The Value of Professional Craftmanship
A professional contractor has connections to skilled subcontractors and specialized tools that will increase the speed in which your project can be completed, and the skilled subcontractors can build at a high standard ensuring a high-quality project that’s more likely to last long term. It also means that the job is more likely to be aesthetically pleasing which is your goal and it increases the value of your home, and that affects future ROI.
The Inherent Risks of Construction
Projects involving a home’s core like structure, plumbing, or electrical carry with them certain risks. A professional contractor is trained and skilled to handle these risks. Not only that, if they’re not handled correctly, they can leave you vulnerable to a greater risk and damage to your home.
For example, a licensed electrician will know the National Electrical Code and be sure to have appropriate appliances grounded, appropriate number of outlets placed in the home as to avoid a fire. Similarly, a professional plumber understands the pipes and water systems in the home to make sure you avoid any damaging leaks or floods.
Keeping it Legal
Permits and codes can be lengthy and confusing. A professional contractor will know how to adjust plans and where to submit plans for permits before work begins. Without this knowledge, you could face fines and possibly even have to take out any work you’ve done if the permits and codes aren’t followed properly. That would cost you enormous amounts of time and money.
Protecting the Warranty
Household products come with warranties and depending on the product, those warranties can be extensive. Roofing shingles can carry a 15- or 20-year warranty. These warranties are critical components to your installation. There are several reasons why a professional installation is necessary to protect your warranty.
- The installation manual is part of the warranty contract: the product must be installed according to the manual. Every instruction must be followed to the letter. For example, installing roofing shingles calls for a 4-nail pattern per your local code and the pitch of your roof, but if you use only 3 nails to save money, you’ve invalidated the warranty.
- Violation of local building codes: the warranty requires all installation to follow the local building codes. A professional will know those codes. If you miss one, you’ve invalidated the warranty.
- Lack of expertise and specialized tools: some manufacturers actually require the installation to be completed by a technician with certain certification. Like an AC unit for example, that’s a very complex system and requires specialized knowledge to validate the warranty.
- When the product fails: if the product was professionally installed, the professional can diagnose and advocate on your behalf with the manufacturer. If you’ve done the installation, the burden of proof falls on you to show that the installation was done correctly.
5 Home Projects That Call for Professional Support
Opting for a professional renovator can get you the results you want for the following projects. Choosing that pro isn’t always easy. At Great Day Improvements, we offer a full range of services and can answer any questions you may have.
Window Replacement
Replacing windows requires precise measurements—if you’re off by even an 1/8 of an inch, you’ll create a draft and that will lower the energy efficiency of that window. A professional has the skill and the tools to take the precise measurements.
Window replacement also requires proper sealing. Professionals have the right caulking and foam to create the airtight barrier.
In addition, with precise measurements, a professional will not damage the frame or siding of the home during installation.
Want to know what pro results look like? Browse our gallery of finished projects.
Porch & Patio Enclosures
A porch or patio falls in the structure group—now we’re talking permits and codes. As mentioned before, a professional can guide you through that process saving you time and money right from the start.
A porch or enclosure requires framing and footing. If done improperly, this creates drafts in the home which lowers energy efficiency. It also could leak when it rains which can damage the gutter and/or roof line, which can be costly to repair.
In addition, working with framing and footing can be dangerous. Hiring a professional ensures knowledge of the International Residential Code which means they know how to keep the structural integrity of your home intact as well as how to protect themselves in the process.
Roofing Replacements
The roof is the shield of your home. It’s also considered one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Roofing professionals will have safety training and equipment that homeowners do not. They will have harnesses and fall protection systems. Without these protection systems, a misstep could lead a homeowner to life-altering injuries.
Roofing is another area where codes and permits are necessary. A professional handling these will relieve you of the headache of those mistakes.
Gutter Systems
In comparison to roofing, gutters may seem simple but when you think about the task they complete, they’re critical to the home and must be installed correctly. Gutters direct thousands of gallons of water away from your home. If not installed correctly, that water can cause costly damage to your home.
Just like windows, precision measurement is key. If not measured correctly, water can pool and damage foundations and leak into the basement. Not only that, improper installation can cause water to backup into the roof and cause water to rot the wood under the shingles. It can also cause an “ice dam”. A ridge of ice forms at the edge of the gutter and the roof line. Homes in areas that get snow are susceptible to this because when the snow melts the water trickles down and gets trapped at the ice line at the gutters. It then backs up into the roof and can damage the shingles, the attic, the ceiling of your home. Needless to say, it’s an expensive problem.
Finally, a poor gutter installation could damage the roof where the two intersect. Not only could this void your gutter warranty, but also your roof/shingle warranty. A double whammy.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling requires the work of a plumber, electrician, flooring. While that may seem like a doable DIY project, these are tasks best left to professionals as well.
If plumbing isn’t installed correctly behind a tub or shower for example, a slow leak can exist for months or years and damage the structure of the home without your knowledge until it’s too late. If the incorrect outlets are chosen, the wiring behind the outlets can cause a fire.
Tiling a floor isn’t as simple as it looks either—there’s a science to making sure it’s waterproof. If that isn’t accomplished, mold can accrue under the tiles.
Check out the website at Great Day Improvements for the gallery of real projects and see for yourself the quality of our contractors!
Future-Proofing Your Home with Expert Help
For some, the future may be on your mind and resale is at the forefront. A professional can help with that!
ROI and Resale Considerations
A professional can help guide you early on in the decision-making process before you decide what to renovate. A professional knows the local market and can give you information on what local homebuyers are looking for. In addition, the professional can guide you when choosing materials to optimize the return on your investment. A homebuyer will also look for renovation projects have been permitted and followed code.
All of this leads to renovation projects that add to the value of your home and will raise the ROI (Return-On-Investment) of your project.
Designing for Safety & Long-Term Comfort
When designing for safety, hiring a professional installer will ensure that all codes will be followed. The professional will be trained and skilled in their individual trade and will have the necessary tools to complete the project safely. In addition, the professional will install the proper pieces to your home that will ensure your own safety for the future like the correct outlets, plumbing, and framework.
As for long-term comfort, a professional can be hired to do an energy efficiency check on your home. That can help you decide which renovation project to do based on energy efficiency and that will increase both your comfort level and the value in your home.
Final Thoughts: Invest Smart, Partner with a Trusted Pro
You’ve made a major investment when you purchased your home. Now is the time to protect that investment with the right partner. Think your renovation deserves expert craftsmanship? Get a free quote with Great Day Improvements and explore your options with a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a professional for window replacement instead of DIY?
Window replacement demands precise measurements—being just 1/8 of an inch off can cause drafts and hit energy efficiency. Pros use specialized tools and materials for proper sealing and avoid damaging frames or siding.
What makes porch and patio enclosures projects best left to professionals?
Enclosures often require structural framing, correct footing, and permits. Professionals ensure compliance with building codes like the International Residential Code, prevent energy loss via drafts or leaks, and minimize dangerous mistakes.
Can gutter system installations really harm my home if not done right?
Yes. Improper gutter installation can lead to standing water, foundation damage, basement leaks, ice dams in winter, and even void your roof and gutter warranties.
How do professionals protect product warranties during installations?
Most home improvement products have installation criteria tied to their warranty—such as installation requirements and code compliance. Only certified, professional installations ensure the warranty remains valid and provide recourse if issues arise.
Why are permits and building codes such a big deal in home renovation?
Without permits and adherence to local building codes, you risk fines and being forced to undo completed work. Pros understand the permitting process and ensure code compliance—saving you time, cost, and legal headaches.
How does hiring a professional enhance ROI and long-term comfort in a home renovation?
Pros can advise early on material choices and design decisions that appeal to local buyers, preserve resale value, and respect code standards. They also ensure installations are safe, energy-efficient, and durable for long-term comfort.
