If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to do a home improvement project on your own, you are not alone. Oftentimes people take on these home improvement projects to cut down on costs. But for some projects, you have to ask yourself if you are really saving money doing it yourself versus hiring a professional.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
1. Have I ever done a project similar to this before? If you are not aware of how to do a project on your own, it’s going to be much easier to hire a contractor. When you do it yourself, you risk the chance of making things worse. A simple repair for a professional could turn into a major project if you try to do it yourself. For some projects, it’s better to have it done right the first time by a professional.
2. Do I have time for this project? Time is money. If you’re spending a lot of time looking up how to complete the project, looking for parts and materials, or the project is taking longer than expected, hire a professional. They will get it done in a timely manner, freeing you of the headaches and wasted time of trying to complete a project that’s more difficult than you thought.
3. Is this project safe? Getting injured is the last thing you want to happen on a DIY project. You need to ask yourself if this project risks your health or will make you more prone to injury. Hired professionals have insurance and the correct equipment to keep them safe on the job. Don’t risk a trip to the emergency room for something that could have been prevented.
Don’t Try This at Home
Roof Work – Roof work is extremely dangerous, especially when you are not familiar with your roof’s structure. There could be soft spots on your roof that you are unaware of. It is also easy for you to lose your footing and fall. The risk of injury is not worth it.
Installing Windows – Installing windows can be a tricky project. There are specialized tools that are needed and you need to know the exact measurements to make sure the windows are insulated and secure. If windows are not installed correctly, over time you might notice your window sill rotting, bugs, and even an increase in your electric bill.
Home Structural Changes – A home addition is a major project. It might seem simple to tear down a drywall but if you are not familiar with the walls, you could cause serious damage. There could be electrical wiring, gas or plumbing pipes that could be damaged in the process of tearing down a wall. There is always the chance of damaging structural posts that are key in keeping your house standing. Structural changes are not worth the risk of having to replace major home components when a professional can get it right the first time.
Electrical Work – Unless you are an electrical technician or are at least familiar with your home’s wiring, you should avoid doing electrical projects on your own. Depending on the project, electrical work will require an extensive amount of knowledge. And without the proper safety precautions, electrical work can be extremely dangerous.
Hiring a professional for home improvement can save you time, money, and the stress of trying to properly complete the project. So next time you find yourself wanting to take on another home project, ask yourself these questions and use your best judgement. If it seems dangerous to do on your own, then hire a professional.