So, you’ve made the big decision to upgrade your home and are thinking about doing it yourself. There are plenty of small projects that are perfect for taking on, however, some tasks are just better done by a professional.
Get the best ROI for home improvement projects and spring cleaning by following these guidelines for when you should hire a professional. As experts in their field, those you hire to fix up your house will be faster and more efficient.
The biggest difference between DIY and hiring a professional is the quality of the work long-term. Professionals know how to make a roof repair or power washing job last and do it right the first time.
They have also done these projects dozens of times and know what works and what doesn’t. It can cost you double or triple your budget if you were to DIY and mess up along the way.
Here are some reasons to hire a professional the next time you’re taking on a big home improvement project:
1. It’s Better Safe Than Sorry
Although many DIY projects may seem simple, they likely involve a variety of tools and knowledge on how to use them.
For example, power washing your home may seem like an obvious DIY project - especially in California, where salt in the air can be damaging to your home’s surfaces. However, the high-pressure water can be dangerous for those who aren’t accustomed to it. The water can easily make a hole in your house or worse, hurt you or a family member.
An good example of when to hire a professional is for termite damage and prevention. It’s best to hire an exterminator to evaluate the damage, especially because it could just be wood damage. If your house does have termites, investing in an exterminator will ensure that your house is up to regulation standards and won’t be further damaged.
Other projects like electrical work and plumbing are also best left to a professional as well. Touching or snipping the wrong wire can get you electrocuted and make your DIY a big fail.
Keep in mind that if you get injured working on a project, that is time you’re missing from your job and spending time with family.
2. More Money in the Long-Run
Going back to the power washer example, it wouldn’t cost much less to rent a power washer and all of the equipment than to simply hire a professional.
Plus, professionals have all the tools to fit different areas of your house, giving you the best bang for your buck.
Problems like termite infestation can be expensive to repair, however, you cannot sell your home without it being fixed properly.
It will also cost you even more money if you end up getting injured or destroying something in your house along the way.
3. Quality over Quantity
Sure, you may be able to get more projects done with the same amount of money, however, you’ll likely have to redo it in a couple of months if it’s not done right.
Hiring a professional means it’s their duty to get it not only right, but perfect. Many professionals have ratings on their sites or you can check out places like angie's list.
4. Faster Results than DIY
Although you technically could install those new doors you’ve been dreaming about, getting the necessary tools and learning how to do it can take a long time.
Most professionals will give you an estimate on how long it will take them, giving you the peace of mind to go on with your life after a couple of short hours.
Who would want to spend their entire weekend in the heat reading instructions? Not many people would and those who experienced this would tell you hiring a professional is the best option.
5. DIY Could Hurt Your Home Value
Even the most expensive, beautiful tiles will look bad if they’re poorly laid. Most home buyers are looking for something they can move into with no worries or remodels to be made.
This means even poorly laid tile or a wonky landscaping job can devalue your home and make it hard to sell in the competitive market.
Either way, DIY is best only for creative projects that don’t require too many tools. There’s always a time and place for DIY, but don’t let it cost you extra time, money, and headaches - especially during the process of selling your home.
Story by Haley Keiser. Email: Haleyskeiser (at) gmail.com.