Technically speaking, you can complete any repair or renovation on your home if you have the right training and tools, but that doesn’t always mean that you should. There are times when it’s best to just hire a contractor instead. If you’re not sure your latest home improvement project should be a DIY job or something best left to professionals, here are some things to consider.
Cost
Hiring a contractor can be expensive. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend between $30 to $125 per hour for a contractor’s services. This can end up costing you thousands of dollars in the end. Meanwhile, completing the job yourself will be much cheaper, but you’ll still need to spend money on things like supplies and permits. You would be saving money on labor, though, which can make a big difference for some people.
Time
The problem with a DIY job is that you have to take the time to actually do the work. If you know what you’re doing, and you have enough free time to get the job done without spending too much time away from work, go ahead and do the job yourself. On the other hand, if you don’t have the time to devote to a project, and you don’t relish the idea of having part of your home inaccessible for several weeks or months, you might want to just spend the money on a contractor. It will be more expensive, but you’ll be hiring someone who will stick to a schedule and work until the job is done.
Quality
They say that if you want something done right, you should do it yourself. That may be the case for some people, but if you doubt your home improvement skills, it’s best to leave your latest project to a professional. Contractors will have the training needed to do the job well and complete it safely. It will be left to them, but they will work closely with you to make sure that you’re happy with the result.
In the end, you should really use your best judgment when it comes to home renovations. If you feel like you can complete a renovation on your own and be happy with your work, feel free to do so. If you don’t feel comfortable taking on a major project, or you don’t think you’ll have the time to do it yourself, there are plenty of contractors who will gladly work with you.