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Do you watch home improvement television shows and take notes? Does a trip to the home improvement store sound like a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon? Then you might be a DIYer or at least aspire to become one.
Some projects make it easy to decide whether you want to do it yourself, while others might give you pause. Every DIYer should be realistic about abilities as well as the time and energy they are willing to put into the job, but sometimes dreams can be bigger than your toolbox and skillset.
If you want to avoid your project being a candidate for a viral #DIYfail post on social media, then you’ll want to carefully consider whether you’re the person for the job or whether you should hire a pro who’s better suited for it. Here, we’ll walk you through what to know about choosing DIY vs a professional home improvement team for your next project.
Choose Projects You Can Handle
Home improvement projects are exciting enough on their own. But when it’s you who’s doing the work and seeing the results as you go—not to mention the big reveal at the end—you’ll want to remain calm and consider whether you and your skills are up to the task. Here are some beginner-level DIY projects you can likely feel good about diving into.
Cosmetic Upgrades
Cosmetic projects focus on upgrading or improving the look of objects and surfaces in your home. Reupholstering or refurbishing furniture might be something a DIYer can tackle, along with painting and wallpaper projects. You might still stretch your skills a bit to ensure you’re happy with the results, but cosmetic projects like these are typically considered DIY-friendly in terms of the time and talent required. Still, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a pro for large-scale projects—or at least to paint or wallpaper anything that isn’t safely within reach.
Simple Swaps of Fixture or Hardware
Swapping out hardware like cabinet knobs or door handles is a quick and DIY-friendly way to change up the aesthetic of your home, as it requires minimal tools and can be done room by room. Other projects that are easy to complete in an hour or so include replacing a showerhead or a faucet or perhaps swapping out a small light fixture that doesn’t need rewiring (call an electrician if it does).
Projects That Don’t Require Permits
While it’s always a good practice to consult the construction laws in your local municipality before beginning a home project, homeowners typically do not need permits for cosmetic improvements. This includes projects such as painting interiors or exteriors, installing flooring or countertops, replacing windows, swapping out electrical or plumbing fixtures, and performing other minor electrical or plumbing repairs.
Advanced DIYers might even be able to replace siding or roofing materials as long as the work does not alter the current structure of your home. However, anything that affects the structure of the home will require a permit, which often involves a long and tedious administrative process and is something else to consider in the home improvement DIY vs professional contractor discussion.
Still debating between DIY and professional help? Browse our gallery for inspiration.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Committing To DIY
Here are two questions that DIYers must ask themselves before committing to a project:
Is it safe for me to do this project?
Even with solid skills, DIYers need to consider any potential dangers involved with a project. From climbing a ladder to working on a roof to using heavy-duty power tools, DIYers must consider that there are home improvement projects that are inherently dangerous even for experienced contractors. Especially if you plan to do the work alone, plan to maintain a safe working environment.
Do I have time to complete the project?
Unfinished projects plague many well-meaning DIYers. But unless you’re a pro who has done a particular job many times, it’s difficult to gauge how long a project will take. Interior projects that take longer than expected might be a mere hassle, but unfinished outside projects that leave your home’s exterior vulnerable as the seasons change could have far worse repercussions. You might want to allot double or even triple the expected time to finish a project—especially if you’re hoping to finish work before the holidays or going away on vacation—so that any delays can be taken in stride.
Red Flags That Signal You Need to Hire a Pro Instead
DIYers seeking their next project should carefully consider whether it’s a match for their skillset and toolbox. But even if you are actively learning new skills and have access to the proper tools, there are some warning signs that the home improvement work you are considering is better suited for an experienced professional.
Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural Work
Unless you happen to be a licensed electrician or plumber, it’s best to leave these types of repairs to the pros. The same goes for any kind of structural work, such as roof work or knocking down walls. It’s one thing to have a #DIYfail when painting an accent wall, but it’s another thing entirely if you’re dealing with knocking down a load-bearing wall by mistake.
Complex Installations
One of the reasons you likely explored DIY projects was to save money on labor costs while adding value to your home. But if you’ve ever been daunted by a book-length set of assembly instructions or bought an expensive component that required a delicate hand for installation, this is when to hire a home improvement expert instead.
Keep in mind that if, say, a brand-new appliance breaks when you’re attempting to install it, you’re on the hook for replacing it. But if something goes awry during a professional installation, insurance and workmanship warranties kick in with coverage.
Code Compliance and Permitting
Securing permits and ensuring that completed work is in accordance with local building codes can slow down the process for the pros and DIYers alike. That doesn’t mean any of it should be skipped, of course, but it is probably better to leave the administrative tasks up to a home expert who has navigated the process many times before.
Why Hiring a Pro Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Calling for contractor quotes can seem daunting, or at least a lot less fun than repainting the backsplash in your kitchen. But when you consider Great Day Improvements for your home projects, you can take the stress out of the equation and get excited about the results instead.
Our End-to-End Process Keeps Things Under Control
If you’ve decided the risks of DIY remodeling are too great for your next project, know that you can have a stress-free experience with the home expert team at Great Day Improvements. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough of your completed project, you’ll always know what’s going on. You’ll have a clear project timeline, and we’ll always give you project updates should that timeline change. When you have questions, you can connect with your dedicated project manager and get answers.
Transparent Prices, Trusted Products
We know that saving money drives many homeowners to attempt the work themselves, which is why Great Day Improvements is always transparent about pricing and the products we use. Homeowners deserve the best value for their homes, and we offer that through our high-quality products and services backed by best-in-class warranties.
Expert Installation That Protects Your Investment
We know you’ve picked up some great skills on your DIY journey. But we want you to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our expert knowledge and installation experience. Our products and workmanship are guaranteed, which means your investment in your home is protected.
Choose the Right Partner for Your Project
We understand well that there’s nothing like tackling a home improvement project with your own hands. But especially if you’re just getting started on your DIY journey, it’s best to tackle smaller, cosmetic projects and leave the larger, more complex projects to an expert home renovation team. Take your time and make the right decision based on your budget, but more importantly, your safety and peace of mind.
When it’s time to bring in the pros, trust Great Day Improvements for transparent pricing, expert installation, and stress-free results. Request a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save money by DIYing a home project?
You can save money on labor costs if you do the work yourself, but that’s assuming you complete the project satisfactorily and in compliance with the local building code. There’s no shame in calling in a pro for help, but sometimes you’ll wind up spending more money to fix DIY mistakes than you would have to hire an experienced home expert to do the work in the first place.
Can I hire a pro to do part of a project?
Yes, you can hire home experts to do all or part of a project for you. You may want to consider hiring a home remodeling professional for structural work or custom installations that require permits and specialized expertise. But if you’ve had your heart set on completing some smaller finishing touches yourself and can do them safely and effectively, go for it.
What kinds of projects need a permit?
Any project that involves adding to or altering the existing structure of your home requires a permit. Replacing an existing window typically won’t need a permit, but installing one where there previously was no window would need a permit.
What if I start a DIY project and realize it’s too big for me to finish?
It’s a good thing to accept your DIY skill limits before you injure yourself or cause damage to your home or property. When you call a professional to get a quote, let them know where you are in the process so that they have a good idea of what needs to be finished and what, if anything, might need to be redone.
Is it worth hiring a professional to do cosmetic home upgrades?
While cosmetic upgrades like painting are DIY-friendly, it’s definitely worth hiring a pro who has the technique and the experience to get the job done faster and perhaps better than you can.
