Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro

It's a challenge many homeowners face with a remodeling project, large or small. Should I remodel my [insert portion of the home desperately in need of an update here] myself or fork over the money to have someone do it for me?

In theory, I like to think that given ample time and resources I could tackle any remodeling project on my own. Realistically? I can wield a hammer, a stud finder, even small power tools with confidence. But could I (or would I even want to) install a new roof? Probably not.

Consider the pros and cons of undertaking remodeling projects on your own by asking yourself some important questions.

Know-How and Skill Level
If your DIY experience to date involves painting the walls and hanging photos, tackle some small remodeling tasks before you tackle a major project. This will help you gauge what you're realistically capable of doing.

And take a long, hard look at any project from start to finish, do you have the knowledge to get the job done, or do you know where to go to find out? Unless you're a trained professional, you'll probably want to avoid major electrical or plumbing work and any tasks that are too dangerous (such as climbing up on a steep roof) or difficult (just say no to pouring lots of concrete on your own).

One last question: Can you make your DIY project look professional? It may cost less to do the work on your own, but will you be happy with the result if it doesn't look as good as expected? Quality work is often worth the extra cost.

Time and Money
After getting bids from professionals, many homeowners suffer from sticker shock, think the cost of labor isn't worth it, and vow to tackle the whole project on their own. Before you make any rash decisions, consider how long doing it yourself will take you and how much your time is worth.

If you're only working on the project on evenings and weekends here and there, is it worth the money you save if your project stretches from here to the next millennium? How happy will you be if you have to miss your kids' soccer games, neighborhood barbecues, and family vacations because your significant other threatens to leave you if you don't finish the basement this year?

Be honest about your skills and abilities and how long the project may take. Remember: Just because you're saving money on labor doesn't mean it's not costing you anything. Time is money, and it pays to calculate how much your time is worth. In the end, you may discover that the price of hiring a pro isn't so bad after all.

Oh, and one more money caveat: Are you willing to risk falling short and having to bring someone in to fix your potentially costly mistakes? Finding a pro to fix what you've started may end up costing more than it would have to hire someone from the get-go. That's what happened to the handy homeowner who started to remodel the bathroom above on his own, only to discover he didn't have the time to complete the project. It sat in this state for a year (but fortunately it's on its way to a full recovery, with the help of a contractor, now!)

Tools
Do you have the proper tools to complete the job? Rushing out to buy everything you need to do a remodeling project could send your costs through the roof. (And you'll likely end up with a garage full of tools you'll never use again.) Remember that the pros come with all the equipment they need to get the job done (not to mention the knowledge of products and techniques you might not possess). Rather than rushing out to purchase major power tools, one option is to head to a tool-rental shop. Renting trenchers or table saws for a couple of hours or even a couple of days certainly beats buying them, unless you expect to use them regularly in the future.

The fact that you're still reading makes me think I haven't deterred you from your DIY aspirations yet. Good! I think homeowners can, and should, tackle home improvement projects. The key is to be smart about it. If money is tight (or you don't want strangers traipsing through your house during construction) and you're handy and willing to put in the time, strap on that tool belt and save your house! Few things are as sweet as being able to respond with a "Thanks, I did it myself," when someone compliments you on your [insert name of beautifully remodeled portion of home here].

One last option to consider: you may be able to cut costs by serving as your own general contractor. You get to pick who does what, set schedules, and perhaps even do some of the work yourself, but the pros are there to do the majority of the work, make suggestions that can save you money, and do what pros do best. It's still a big time commitment, but it may provide just the level of involvement you're pining for. (Look for more on playing the role of a general contractor in a future post.)

Learn More
Lee Wallender writes about deciding whether to take the DIY route or go with a professional in his About.com guide on home renovations. And interior designer MaryAnn Shanks presents a convincing argument for hiring a pro here.

Regardless which route you go, odds are you'll want to save money. Here's how.

If you decide to hire a professional, your next task may be to find a reliable remodeler or handyman to help out.

Disclaimer: The Home-Know-It-All does not endorse specific building or remodeling professionals or products. But I will say this: Those little initials behind the pros' names mean something. Look for professionals certified through organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Bone up on other associations here.

Until Monday,
The Home-Know-It-All

Comments

[sydney plumbers]

I will admit it is a bit of a toss up. My partner is an obsessive DIY'er, and sometimes it ends up going fantasticly. Sometimes however... :(