Once a homeowner decides to proceed with a particular home improvement project, they then have the tough decision - to do it themselves or call in a professional.
There's no hard and fast rule here. Each potential do-it-yourselfer will have to ask themselves some questions, and be totally honest with the answers in order to be happy with the end result. They will also have to do the requisite research to make sure their answers are grounded in reality. Don't say that you can build kitchen cabinets just because you've made some bookcases. It may well be true that you can, but research the steps and tools needed to build those cabinets, and compare that with your prior experience, plus your desire to learn new skills and obtain any necessary tools, before deciding.
If you're either considering doing a home improvement job yourself or thinking about using a professional contractor, here are a few questions to ask yourself that'll help you make an educated decision.
Am I Capable of Completing the Job?
This is the most important and also the trickiest question and you will need to truthfully consider whether or not you can do the work yourself.
If you have not had prior experience doing jobs like this, or if you haven't had the opportunity to assist others in the completion of a similar project, or if you just lack confidence in your ability to do this work yourself, then it may well be worthwhile calling in a pro.
Conversely, if you have no prior experience in this particular home improvement, but you've researched the job thoroughly and are still fired up and optimistic about taking it on, then go for it - especially if you can round up a helper with some experience. Be sure to always consider all safety issues when researching the project. Having a kitchen cabinet door that won't close is not good, but it's not as bad as finishing up the job minus a finger - or worse.
Can I Afford it?
It's easy to underestimate the costs involved in a home improvement project. If your project is small, like broken faucets or painting a bedroom, you can likely save a lot.
If the project is one that involves major disruption of your living space, such as totally remodeling a kitchen, then you have to consider the impact on your home life and career as you work on this project on nights and weekends. Also try to forsee extraneous costs such as, in our example of a kitchen remodel, eating out or ordering in almost every night when you compare the diy home improvement job with the professional one.
It will take you a lot longer than it would take a professional, even if you are as skillful as he is (obviously not very likely) because he can work on it full time. This may end up costing you more financially, because as the project drags on, you may be tempted to buy your supplies at the most convenient place, rather than the least expensive, or to call in pros to finish up small jobs that you just can't find the time for. However, if you're really motivated to take on the project, if you have the time to focus on the job at hand, and if you are prepared for the stress of living without a kitchen for a month or two, then take a shot at it. Once again, make sure you've identified all safety issues involved in the project.
Do I Need a Building Permit?
Check with the local building department. In many locations, any job that involves wiring or plumbing automatically requires a permit and that the work be done only by a professional contractor.
In the end, what is frequently the best solution is to do the labor-intensive jobs (like demolition) yourself, and let a pro handle the tasks that require experience and skill. This will usually give you a professional-quality job at quite a bit less than the typical professional-quality price.
Joe Serpico is webmaster and publisher of Home Repair Guide. For more home repair and remodeling tips, please visit www.homerepairguide.net
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