DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Jan 18, 2011

Many homeowners embark on home improvement projects by themselves in the interest of saving time and money. However, many projects that you might do yourself are really best done by a licensed professional. This is especially true when it comes to installing windows and doors, roofing repairs and much more. So, should you DIY or call Bordner? Here’s a list of questions you should ask yourself, courtesy of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI):

Do you enjoy physical work?
Are you persistent and patient?
Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?
Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)
Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance? If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?
Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? (Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed and bonded professional in order to meet code.) It’s best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.
What will you do if the project goes awry? (Most contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job, and many just won’t take them.)
Is it safe for you to do this project? (If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity—leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize either.)
Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?
Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons? If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make—i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?
If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done—can you ensure that the job will be “well done”? If it doesn’t come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

If you’ve answered yes to at least eight of these questions, then you’re probably qualified to do your own home improvement project(s). If not, please save yourself the hassle and call a trusted professional like Bordner at 816-303-0510 today!