Summer is here, and for many that means starting some long-awaited home-improvement projects. Many homeowners are content with small, DIY projects, providing them the opportunity to tackle some maintenance on their own to improve their home’s overall value, while also sharpening their skills in the process.
But some projects are too big for the average homeowner to tackle alone. So, what’s more efficient and cost-effective: DIY or hiring a professional? Choosing which is best for you can take some planning. But as the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.”
Some of the most satisfying DIY jobs a homeowner can get done are the ones that just will only take a day or weekend at most. With a quick, easy job to knock out, you’ll feel better because you’ll have caught up on something you have probably been wanting to do, while gaining a little more experience for the next project.
A fresh coat of paint can make something old seem brand new with only a few hours work. Most indoor paint jobs are relatively easy, and unless you have very high or otherwise difficult ceilings, almost anyone can take charge. Either repainting a room or giving it a new color can make everything feel fresh and new again.
Upgrading your outdoor lighting and adding a security system is another easy way to keep up the value of your home. Upgrading light fixtures to a more modern styling or to use more efficient bulbs can help save electricity. Plus, with smart, color-changing bulbs, they can make any area more festive for entertaining.
Adding home security cameras is a great way to make you and your family feel safe, especially when you aren’t home. The installation of security systems isn’t as intimidating as it once was. New easy-to-install security systems minimize the amount of cabling needed so you don’t have to hire a professional installer.
Jobs in which you may want to consider using a professional come down to where it might be dangerous for an untrained person, or in high-traffic areas where you cannot afford the area to be unusable for an extended period.
For instance, retiling a kitchen or walkway can be DIY, but you have to remember you are working around your own schedule. While you may save money, you can very well lose out time for other obligations or social functions. If you want this project to become DIY, it’s best to practice on a smaller area. A guest bathroom or pantry might be a good place to learn how to retile since the space is more manageable and easier to live without while under construction.
Projects that call for running extra water or power lines to different areas of the house must adhere to building codes. Oftentimes, it’s better to hire a trained professional who knows what it takes to accomplish these tasks, lest you be fined and have the work redone to stay up to code.
As a good rule of thumb, water, power, heights and the necessity of heavy equipment are all good places to consider hiring a contractor.