As a homeowner, this is a
question you have to ask yourself before starting a major
home improvement project. Too much confidence when it comes
to work around the house can be a bad thing if your level of
skill and commitment don't match up with your good
intentions. Be honest with yourself from the get-go - for
larger or more complex projects, hiring a contractor may be
your best bet. For smaller jobs that are fairly
straightforward, strapping on the D-I-Y tool belt might be
the smartest choice. It really all depends on your D-I-Y
abilities and the difficulty of the project. The amount of
time you can commit to a project is also something to take
into consideration.
The biggest mistake you can make is to get so excited you
start demolishing your house without properly planning
ahead, and knowing whether or not you have the ability to
handle the project properly. Even if you're skilled enough
to pull it off, many people begin work only to leave the
project unfinished once the excitement wears off. It's not
uncommon for do-it-yourselfers to live with half-finished
rooms for months on end, putting stress on the whole family.
And remember: remodeling is actually more difficult and time
consuming than starting from scratch, simply because there
are so many unknowns involved in the entire process. The
potential exists for many things to go wrong, especially if
you own an older home with plaster walls.
If you're unsure about the decision, especially for a large
project, a good idea is to try smaller repairs first. If
everything goes smoothly with your 'test' projects, it's a
good indication that you're ready to take on something
bigger.
Of course, many people decide to tackle a home improvement
project to save money. Professional rates can be quite high,
so if you have the right skills to accomplish your D-I-Y
goals, you can save a lot of money in the long run. If,
however, you realize that a pro will get the task done
faster than you (and achieve a better result) forking over a
little more cash may save you trouble and make the endeavor
easier overall.
A great compromise is to take advantage of both worlds. Hire
a contractor for the really difficult grunt work that
requires special expertise, and then finish the job
yourself. For instance, many homeowners have no problem
painting or installing floors, so it makes sense to leave
this type of work for yourself.
In the end, the final decision rests in your hands, and
depends on your personal circumstances and financial
position. Do what's best for you and you'll be happy with
the results. |
