Home Repair or Improvement Needed – DIY or Hire a Pro? 

Problem:  You have a home repair or improvement needed.  You really want to save money in today’s economy. Should you do the project yourself, or hire someone who has more experience?  You feel that you could handle the project, but you are not 100% confident in your skills for the task. Watching YouTube could be helpful.  However, will it take longer than you anticipated?  If it is done good enough for you, will it be good enough for the next homeowner if you should sell your home, and will it be good enough to avoid future problems? 

Reason:  Hiring a professional can be expensive, especially since prices have gone up recently.  Before considering it as a DIY project, think about the possibility of your project being done incorrectly simply because of a lack of knowledge or expertise, and what additional work may be necessary on top of the work you have performed, which may cost you even more than you originally planned.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing DIY or Professional Home Improvement

Considerations:   

  1. Time.  Think about the time the project will require from start to finish. If you are not sure, do some homework on that. Do you have that time available without sacrificing family and relational commitments and other responsibilities you have already?  
  1. Money.  Make a list of items needed and their cost.  Do you know what they are?  Do you have the money to begin with to complete the job?  Do you have additional funds available if something should come up and more money is needed to finish the work? Many times, once home improvements or repairs begin, it opens a can of worms and reveals further issues that need to be addressed. There is a potential here for increased time and cost. 
  1. Materials.  Do you have the materials and tools required or additional cash to purchase or rent them?   
  1. Skills.  Do you have the skills necessary to complete the work, based on your previous experience?  Depending on the project requirements and your skill level, watching YouTube videos, reading books, and doing some research may be educational and very helpful to save money and get you equipped for the task.  If there is some question in this area, hiring a professional will avoid you from “getting in over your head” and release you from the responsibility which may carry emotional weight and worry. 
  1. Is This a DIY Project for Me?  Ask yourself these questions and consider your answers carefully:  
  • Have I done this before?  
  • Is the project easy enough to learn on my own?  
  • If there are errors in the project, could I fix them and would I have time?  
  • Will the outcome be good enough for now, and later?   
  • Am I totally comfortable with the project requirements?   
  • Does the project require a building permit?   
  • Do I know how to get a building permit?   
  • Could any part of the project pose a safety risk for me or my family?   
  • Is this project desired before a potential home sale?  
  • Can I complete it in a reasonable amount of time?   
  • Do I have the patience and positive outlook to handle problems if they should arise?   
  • Is this project one which may compromise the structural integrity of the home?

Deciding Between DIY or Professional Home Improvement

Solutions: 

  1. Decide to Do Easy DIY Projects.  Minor plumbing such as unclogging a drain or installing updated faucets, painting projects, deck sealing, landscape trimming and maintenance, cleaning gutters, installing vinyl flooring, tiling a kitchen backsplash, installing shelving, framing a mirror, caulking to seal doors and windows, power washing decks or patios, and replacing or updating light fixtures, etc. 
  1. Decide if Your Project is Geared for a Professional.  Installing kitchen cabinets, replacing the carpet, installing new roofing, installing new landscaping, grading, or drainage projects, gutting rooms due to water damage and installing new materials, hooking up new plumbing, installing new electrical outlets, etc.   

Asking professionals for bids will usually spark conversation in which you can gain pertinent information and insight on your project. Ask them what the anticipated project time would be from start to finish and ask for an estimate.  Find out if they will charge by the job, or by the hour (labor plus materials).  Obtaining three bids is typical.

Benefits of Improving Your Home

Investment Pay-Off:   Most larger home improvement projects will increase the value of your home.  With that in mind, in most cases, your monetary investment will pay off positively.  Things to consider are:  Am I required to take out a home equity loan for this project?  What are the interest rates?  What did I pay for the home?  What is the home’s appraisal now, and what will it be after the project is completed?  

Conclusion

Doing your homework and research on the project at hand is a wise use of your time and can save money in the long run. Taking your time to consider the many points above, asking friends and family for opinions, and asking professionals for bids will help you make the best decision on whether to DIY the project or hire a pro.

John Norlin and the All Points Home Inspection team can help make sure your home and appliances are in tip-top shape. Check out all our Primary Home Inspection Areas to learn more.

John Norlin and the All Points Home Inspection team can help make sure your home and appliances are in tip-top shape. Check out all our Primary Home Inspection Areas to learn more.

Sources 

AAA Living Magazine, Jan/Feb 2023, pg. 36-37, aaa.com/aaaliving 

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