Should Your Improvement Be DIY or Done Professionally? 4 Factors to Consider

When it's time to complete a home improvement project, some homeowners choose DIY and some hire a contractor. Picking who should complete a home improvement project can be a challenge, because many factors must be taken under consideration. Experience, budget issues, safety and the potential for damage are all serious issues that can influence the decision.

Experience and Expertise

Some home improvement projects require a certain level of experience and expertise, others do not. Basic home improvement projects like interior painting, installation of a new shower head, repairing a leaky faucet and fixing a running toilet are all relatively simple projects that do not require expertise to be completed.

Other home improvement projects are not so simple. Roofing, for example, often requires a lot of expertise. Installing roofing materials incorrectly can result in water intrusion, wood rot, structural damage, mold and the need for a new roof. Homeowners who don't have much or any special knowledge of roofing really aren't up to the challenge of fixing their own roof.

Sometimes, judging how difficult a home improvement task is can be a challenge. Doing online research, going to home improvement stores, meeting with contractors and reading home improvement books are all ways that homeowners can decide whether or not they are able to handle a particular task.

Money Matters

DIY projects tend to be cheaper because there are no labor costs, and hiring a professional contractor tends to be more expensive. However, when trying to decide how much a project will cost and which one is more affordable, many variables must be considered.

For example, DIY home improvement projects are often more costly than originally realized because many homeowners fail to consider the cost of special tools needed to complete the task. Homeowners who are strongly considering a DIY project because it is more affordable should still get bids from local contractors or handymen. At the same time, thoroughly researching the DIY process, including the cost of materials and the tools necessary to complete the project, can help the homeowner decide the true cost of the project and which is more affordable.

Homeowners who would like to hire a professional but who want to save on the cost can talk to their contractors about completing some of the work themselves. Sometimes homeowners are able to complete some parts of a home improvement project themselves, such as the sealing, painting and demolition steps.

Safety

Certain projects can be dangerous if they are completed without expertise, training or the proper safety equipment. For example:

• Mold remediation
• Roof work
• Chimney repair
• Electrical work
• Asbestos removal
• Lead-based paint removal

Homeowners must do research and decide for themselves whether or not they have the knowledge and safety equipment to do a job properly.

Potential for Damage

Some home improvement projects, if done incorrectly, can result in damage that is costly to repair. For example, a water heater that is incorrectly installed may leak. This leak could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage, depending on the severity.

Homeowners who are thinking about selling their home soon should consider the impact to the value of their home as well as the competition in their area. If you're selling a home in Bayview, it makes sense to scope out other homes for sale in Bayview. Poorly installed or poorly repaired work can devalue the home and may make the selling process more difficult. Factoring in this possibility can sometimes lead homeowners to decide to hire a professional.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional or to conduct a DIY project is a personal choice that every homeowner must make for themselves. Thinking through the entire project and its various costs can help.