Top Home Upgrade and Renovations: Know when to DIY and When to Hire Professionals

Do I Need To Hire A Contractor For Home Upgrade and Renovations? DIY Projects for Home

Home Upgrade and Renovations and remodeling can help improve your living environment. Additionally, it helps improve your mood and home resale value. So, if you are handy, you might be able to save some bucks by making some of these projects by yourself.

However, it is worthy to note that not all home improvement projects are good candidates for DIY. Doing it yourself is a solution for financially managing some of the projects that require financial muscle.

As a homeowner, you might spend months wondering whether to save money by doing particular renovations or remodeling project by yourself or hire a professional. The indecision might paralyze your projects, and the big question you might is:

DIY Projects Consideration

• Time & Cost
• Knowledge
• Safety
• Permits

DIY Projects Lists

• Painting
• Outdoor Works
• Gardening
• Landscaping
• Plastering
• Cosmetic Renovations
• Simple Woodwork
• Minor electric fixes

Should you do it yourself?

General Contractors

In this guide, we look at some of the projects you can DIY and the ones which should only be left for professionals. But before you decide which home remodeling projects to take, you need to consider the following:

1. Time and Cost

Home improvements Costs

Although most people genuinely love DIY, some solely do it to save money. Hiring professionals for home renovation or remodeling is expensive, and many people might not afford it. Nonetheless, major projects like remodeling your roofs or ceiling require much time and commitment.

Therefore, before you handle a project, you need to make a plan and reflect how much time you are willing to spend on it. If you have the required knowledge and time, then go for it. You will save money while at the same time, increase the value of your property. On the contrary, if you do not have the necessary time due to work constraints, then hiring a professional is the best way out.

2. Knowledge

For your DIYs, you need to consider if you have the required experience to carry out the activity. It is possible to head on to YouTube and gather some required information on how to carry out a particular activity. But if you have never used even a hammer before, you can start by fixing some of the loose nails on your frames. The first step to taking up a renovation job is to recognize your expertise.

3. Safety

Caution, some jobs are not safe for amateurs. You should never try a situation that might end you up on a hospital bed. If you are untrained, you should never try electrical jobs.

4. Permits

Some improvement jobs require permits. Therefore, you might require the help of a contractor. Every city or region has its standards and figuring out which job need a permit might be challenging. Therefore, we recommend that you check with your local council the tasks that require permits, lets you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

With the above in mind, highlighted below are some of the jobs you can DIY.

1. Painting

Hand painting

Doing internal painting is one of the excellent ways to save money on renovation. Painting is a simple task to do; there is little or no risk involved. In case of a mistake, you can paint over again. Also, painting does not require expensive or specialized equipment. Therefore, it is one of the DIY and saves some cash.

2. Outdoor work and garden landscaping

Painting the driveway, putting up a new garden, or simply adding a new front is probably some of the jobs that you can DIY. The best part of outdoor jobs is that even with a tight schedule, they do not disrupt life like having unfinished indoor renovation.

3. Minor demolitions

Removing wallpapers, tiles, or pulling out carpets for renovations are some of the simple tasks you can perform on your own. They are low-risk jobs that even amateurs can do without the help of experts.

4. Plastering

Plastering is a relatively easy task that you can DIY. Besides, there are various how-to guide available online that explains all the ins and outs for completing this type of work. Furthermore, there little risk involved that might cause a major damage to your home.

5. Cosmetic renovations

There is an array of cosmetic changes that can make a difference in the feel and look of our home, and the good news is that you can DIY. Changing drawer and door handles, painting your cupboards or even resurfacing a bench top are some of the activities you can do on your own, and it will make a noticeable difference aside from helping you save some cash.

Although there are jobs that you can DIY, home renovation contractors should solely handle some aspects of renovations. These could be as a result of:

• The tasks are unsafe, like electrical works.
• You do not have the required qualifications.
• It could cause significant damage to your home if you are DIY if not done in the right way like piping.

Projects Lists which require Contractors

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Structural Work
• Roofing
• HVAC system setup
• Heating Cooling System

Some of the jobs that should only be handled by professionals – home improvement contractors, include:

1. Electrical

Electrical Fire

Electrical jobs are always dangerous, and the risk of electrocution and fire is real. Before carrying out any work, the electrician should be certified. So unless you have the right qualifications, it is time to find the right electrician. To choose the right candidate, compare quotes, and ensure the one you select meets the requirements and has all the necessary license to carry out the duty in your area.

2. Plumbing

Do You Need a Professional Plumber or A Toilet Repair Kit

In most cities, it is compulsory that one must have a compliance certificate to complete any plumbing work. There is always a significant safety risk with doing plumbing works yourself. It might lead to costly damage to your home. Thus, it is critical to hire a plumber with the right qualification and fits the job.

3. Structural Work

For this, never even think about it, unless you are a professional. Qualified and licensed builders should only do structural jobs.

4. Roofing

Roof Types

Although there are specific jobs you can DIY like replacing damaged tiles. The work generally should be left for professionals. Apart from the dangers that come with working at a height, a leaking roof can cause significant damage to the rest of your property. This is an area where you should get everything right to protect the integrity of your home.

Video on 25 Home improvement ideas |DIY home projects lists

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