Home Improvement: When to Do It Yourself and When to Hire a Pro

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Home Improvement: When to Do It Yourself and When to Hire a Pro

With memories of winter’s ice and snow now in the long-distant past, it’s the perfect time of year for that roofing installation or window replacement you’ve been hoping to get done.

And you have good reason to pursue one of these projects — simply replacing aging windows in your home can boast a 73 to 77% return on investment and reduce your monthly energy bills by 7 to 15%. Even the simple act of replacing your front door with a well-insulated steel door boasts an incredible 97.2% return on investment!

To make your upcoming home improvement project as cost-efficient as it can be, you have likely considered the feasibility of performing your repairs and remodeling work yourself. A growing number of homeowners are taking up these do-it-yourself — or DIY — projects, making them more popular than ever.

But is a DIY project the best idea for your capabilities and skill set? Before undertaking that DIY home improvement project you’ve been thinking about, be sure to ask yourself these three questions:

Am I capable of handling a DIY project?
Before considering anything else, it’s important to determine if you can handle the often-strenuous workload of a DIY project. In order to succeed, you must be persistent, patient and committed to finishing the project. Because home repairs and remodeling can be strenuous, physically-taxing work, you should generally be in good health and fitness as well.

Is my skill level adequate for the type of work I’ll be doing?
You should also have the skills needed to make sure you perform high-quality remodeling work. If you have no prior experience in home improvement, your DIY project could range from dangerous to downright deadly — and it might be best to just hire a professional.

Are you doing a DIY project because of cost?
Many people choose to perform their own home repairs as a way to cut costs. However, the costs of buying your own materials and tools — and the worth of your time — quickly add up. If you make a mistake and need to repair your prior work, the costs become even higher. That’s why in some cases, DIY projects are not the most cost-effective way to have a home remodeling project done.

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, it may be best to reconsider the viability of performing a DIY siding installation or roof repair on your own. By hiring a skilled, licensed home remodeling contractor, you can sit back and be confident that your home will be in good hands.

Have any other tips for your fellow homeowners on DIY home remodeling projects? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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