When Do I Need a Contractor, and When Is DIY Okay?

Home improvement projects can either be rewarding or challenging activities, but one question does seem to pop up: do it yourself or professional contractor? Make the right decision, and you can save time, money, and headaches. While many smaller projects are quite within the reach of a well-experienced DIY enthusiast, there are those situations where bringing in a contractor is not optional or advisable but actually essential for safety and quality results. 

When DIY Is Okay

Working on homemade projects is great because they will enable you to economize and learn new skills. DIY projects might be one of the most enriching areas of a person’s life. Following are some common types of home improvement projects that are generally safe and manageable for DIY enthusiasts:

• Sanding, painting and decorating: Painting, adding wallpaper, or minor decorative improvements are really suitable for DIY. These types of tasks require very little skill few special tools, and abundant resources are available to help guide one through.
• Landscaping: Lawn mowing, planting of flowers, and installation of garden beds can be done well on a DIY basis. If you’re a green-thumbed individual, the addition of shrubs or putting together a basic irrigation system can also be handled yourself without professional help.
• Replacing fixtures: It’s relatively easy to change dated lighting fixtures, faucets, or cabinet handles yourself. Completing this can completely update the look of a room without needing to pay a contractor fee in any capacity.
• Basic Repairs: Fixing small holes in the wall, re-grouting tiles, or even minor plumbing leaks are quite within the ability of most homeowners who can comfortably follow instructions and make sure they have the right tools.

While DIY is very rewarding and often saves dollars and sense, there is a time and a place for knowing your limits. Generally, the best route for minor tasks and projects that involve less structural work or complex systems is DIY. 

When to Hire a Contractor

Some projects are far beyond your skills and involve either considerable risk, heavy consequences for mistakes, or both, so it is sensible to hire a professional contractor. Here are a few scenarios when hiring a contractor is the best course of action:

• Major renovations: These include large projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodels. Most large-scale renovations will also require the services of a contractor, as they may need to relocate plumbing, install electrical systems, or deal with structural elements, all of which should be handled by a licensed professional.
• Structural changes: Building or breaking down of walls, or any structural changes inside or outside your home, is one of the many reasons one would need to hire a contractor. Most of these projects can be pretty complex, as they require permits and involve specialized knowledge and knowledge of specific building codes, which keep the integrity and safety of your home intact.
• Electrical or plumbing work: Everything related to electrical or major plumbing works a person should not try on their own. Improper work with electricity may be very dangerous, and water leakage could be quite expensive.
• Roofing: Fixing a roof or putting in a new one is both complicated and hazardous; hence takes experience and safety precautions. It also requires special materials and tools that most DIYers do not have.
• HVAC installation/repair: The installation or repair of heating and ventilation or air conditioning is beyond many simple fix-it projects. It requires an understanding of technical equipment, installation, and safety for efficiency; poorly done, it leads to inefficiency, very high energy bills, or even fire hazards.

The problem is that hiring a contractor can be a huge investment at times. However, the expertise and safety that come with it often outweigh the risks and potential costs of a DIY gone terribly wrong. Most of the projects which involve any form of technical knowledge or any kind of hazard, are best left in the hands of the pros.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the decision between DIY and hiring a contractor depends on individual comfort levels, experience, and job requirements. Consider the following:

• Skill level: Be upfront about your skill set and experience. If the project is outside of your comfort zone, it is better to hire someone qualified.
• Time: Really consider how much time you are free to devote. Many DIY projects end up taking considerably more time than imagined, and it can be very frustrating if you are juggling other responsibilities.
• Safety: Safety always comes first. If you are unsure of whether you can do any one task safely, then you must hire a contractor to do the work for you.
• Costs: While in all DIY projects, conserving costs by saving labor expenses is possible, some mistakes may be costly. Contractors have expertise and are often in a position to get better prices for materials, which may offset the cost of the labor.

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Final Thoughts

Knowing what to do and when to seek the services of a contractor can make all the difference in your home improvement experience. Smaller, simpler projects can indeed be a fun, rewarding challenge, whereas larger, more complex jobs are decidedly best left to skilled professionals who possess the needed skill, tooling, and experience to get the job done safely and with effectiveness.