Now more than ever, homeowners have access to seemingly unlimited knowledge, including a range of online tutorials that show a relatively untrained audience how to do everything from change a faucet to conduct a bathroom remodel. Some of these DIY home remodeling projects, like repainting a room, changing a fixture or re-grouting a shower, can be fun and empowering. Yet not all home improvement activities are best conducted by homeowners. Major home remodeling projects should be completed by a professional contractor.
Here are just a handful of the reasons why you shouldn’t always do-it-yourself.
1. It’s Harder Than It Looks
The tutorial may look easy enough, but real life situations are almost always complicated by unexpected problems, and you may not have the know-how to handle issues when they arise. If you get stuck, you could find yourself interviewing contractors amidst the mess of a partially remodeled home.
2. Knowledge
During a single residential construction project, you could find yourself interfacing with multiple major systems in your house, including plumbing and wiring. A professional contractor will have the skills and knowledge required to conduct a remodel without damaging these systems.
3. Tools
A contractor will also have the professional-grade tools it takes to complete a remodel. Unless your shed or garage is a virtual home improvement store, you may be lacking the tools it would take to undertake a home remodeling project. Without these tools, and without knowing which tools to buy, you could find yourself struggling needlessly to complete relatively simple tasks.
4. Time
How much is your time worth? Remember, a good contractor will have the professional staff, organizational skills and access to the wide variety of professional tradespeople that it takes years to accumulate. For the average homeowner, undertaking the same remodeling project will add a substantial amount of time to your residential construction project. Add that to the cost of making mistakes or incorrectly coordinating the work and you have some big issues. If you have a family, full-time job or a busy personal life, this could turn your DIY project into a long-standing hassle.
5. The Tutorials Could Be Wrong
The YouTube videos and home improvement books may seem like authoritative sources of information, but many homeowners turn to professional contractors because they appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the remodel will be done the right way.
DIY Projects Vs. Professional-Remodeling Tasks
Here are a few examples of DIY tasks that many homeowners choose to handle on their own:
- House painting - beginner
- Landscaping - beginner to intermediate
- Tile installation - intermediate to advanced
- Floor refinishing - advanced
By contrast, here are some of the tasks best handled by a professional:
- Roofing
- Carpentry
- Kitchen or bathroom remodeling
- Large-scale building or demolition
Know When To Seek Help
If you’re thinking of taking on a home remodeling project and find yourself seeking information from multiple websites or books, don’t think twice. Consult a professional home remodeling contractor. The removal or raising of walls is no easy task! To get started on your next home remodeling project, request a free consultation with Litchfield Builders today.
