Your home will always need work performed to maintain or improve your quality of life. Many people are looking for a cost-effective solution when it comes to home remodeling, repair, or general upkeep of their property. One question for homeowners facing their property needs that comes up when doing a home renovation projects is “when is it appropriate to DIY or when should I hire a contractor?”
Everyone wants to save time and money, and many homeowners love to fix things themselves rather than hire someone, but this is not always a wise move. There are projects that are safe to tackle yourself and there are specific types of work that should always be handled by a professional. Let’s take a look at the differences here below:
Types of Work Appropriate for DIY
- Installation of accessories, fixtures, mirrors, etc.
- Painting and staining work
- Installing laminate flooring
- Minor work requiring no special skills or tools
- Any work you feel comfortable doing that does not require a contractor (see below)
Types of Work Needing a Contractor
- Waterproofing a foundation
- Dry-walling
- Siding
- Roofing
- Bricklaying
- All electrical work
- Plumbing
- Structural changes
- HVAC work
Usually, a municipal license is needed to perform the work listed that is appropriate for contractors. You should never attempt to do work that requires special skills or equipment such as electrical work, which can be dangerous to yourself and others. You should always hire an experienced, licensed contractor to carry out work that is dangerous or could result in tragedy if not performed correctly.
In many cases, DIY is the way to go for cosmetic tasks, such as painting the interior of your home. However, you may not really save that much money if you DIY. Contractors usually get materials at a discount, and your time is also valuable, so when you DIY you lose the money you would make doing other work that pays.
It all comes down to how much time you have for your personal life. If you need an experienced professional with expert knowledge, you should consider hiring an affordable contractor. You should also never attempt any work beyond your scope of abilities or poses any risks yourself when it comes to your home renovation projects. Contact the experts at R.H. Blanchard today!
