With online resources and TV channels dedicated to home renovation, more people are DIY-ing than ever before. But before you run to the hardware store, check out this list to make sure that doing it yourself is the right choice.
ANALYZE THE COSTS AND BENEFITS
Is this a project where doing it yourself is going to save you money? Or does the amount of time you’ll spend working on it outweigh monetary costs? Sit down and start crunching the numbers, starting with what the supplies are going to cost. Then, determine how long you think a project will take. Always overestimate to account for potential issues that may arise.
WATCH AND LEARN
The internet is a great resource for those who want to DIY. Watch instructional videos to make sure it’s something that you are capable of doing. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone who posts online is an expert. Do your research to find reputable resources. Reach out via social media to friends and family to see if anyone has experience with this type of project as they made have tips to make the task easier.
DO RESEARCH
Before knocking down that wall or mapping out your new patio, you need to find out if your plans will require permits or need inspections somewhere along the line. If your project is out of code, it may make your home more difficult to sell down the line and will cost you even more money to fix.
BE AWARE OF RISKS
The bigger the project, the higher the likelihood is that something will go wrong. The last thing you want is to spend the time and money trying to do something yourself only to have to spend the money on a professional anyway. If you have any doubt in your ability, it might be best to hire a contractor.
