Popular interior design and renovation shows have convinced many of us that home repairs, DIYs and renovations are a walk in the park. Sadly, that’s often not the case. For those of us who aren’t used to wielding tools, home projects can be stressful! They disrupt our schedules, and often cost a chunk of change. Unfortunately, it can be equally difficult (and expensive) to find a trustworthy contractor for the job. So what do you do? Hire a contractor or do it yourself? Here are some things I recommend considering:
1. Cost
Cost is likely a significant factor for most homeowners on a budget. If you can save money, why not do it yourself?
To assess costs, do your research and ask professionals for pricing of your project. Then, calculate the cost of materials, tools and time it will take to complete it yourself.
If there is a significant savings, that’s great! But you’ll want to analyze a few other factors to determine if the DIY project is worth it.
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2. Size and Scope
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The size and scope of the project is another important factor to consider when deciding whether to DIY or hire. You may be able to manage small projects yourself, even if you don’t have a lot of experience fixing things around the house. Research online and consult a family friend for help if necessary for smaller projects, like fixing a leaky faucet.
If the project involves repairing a large structure or system of the house, it may be better to hire a contractor. An experienced contractor will know what to do and will be able to complete the project quickly and more efficiently. Inexperienced homeowners run the risk of causing more damage if they try to fix a problem that falls outside their skill set.
3. Safety
Safety should always be a primary concern. It’s definitely not worth saving money if your safety is at risk. Injuries as a result of home improvement projects can be costly, and also push back your completion time. A project like replacing shingles on a roof may be better for an experienced roofing contractor, especially if you have never worked on a roof before.
If you choose to do the repair yourself, ask for help, especially if assistance from another person makes the project safer.
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4. Schedule
Time is money. If a project is going to cost you lost wages at work or prevent you from completing other necessary tasks, hiring a contractor may be the better choice. You’ll have to assess what you’re giving up in order to complete your home project.
You’ll also want to think about how long it will take you to complete a project. Is the project something a professional could complete in a day, while it might take you a few weeks? Can you take your time to complete the project, or does it need to be done quickly?
Projects that are time-consuming are often stressful. Decide if having your home under construction for an extended period of time is something you can live with.
Prioritize and budget for home improvement projects to ensure finances are not your only concern when deciding whether you should DIY or hire a contractor. You may find that when weighing all of your options, a professional is better for you and your needs, even if it means paying a little more.
About Connie Menard
Connie Menard works for Greenawalt Roofing Company, a roof and spouting contractor serving residential and commercial customers in Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York, PA.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
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