What Everyone Must Know About Do-It-Yourself Renovations
Cracking the DIY Code
Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be a great way to save money. And YouTube and TikTok videos make projects of all types and complexity seem '“doable” thanks to a seemingly infinite selection of instructional videos and blog posts. Everything from doing your own landscaping to building a new patio deck seems ridiculously easy and most importantly affordable. As we enter into the home improvement season, many homeowners are quick to discover that their dreams and budgets do not agree. If you decide to take on some of those projects yourself, consider these points before you dive in.
Should you do-it-yourself (DIY)? Crack the DIY Code.
What Are Your Skills?
Consider what you do really well. Yes, you can learn new skills but do you want showcase your first attempt where it can be seen in your home? If you've never used a saw before you may not want to try installing hardwood floors in your living room, even if you took the class at Home Depot. Make certain you're at the proper skill level (or can learn quickly enough) to bring the project to a swift conclusion.
If you plan on selling your home in the foreseeable future, consider the ramifications of a less-than-professional kitchen cabinet installation job or sloppy exterior paint job. Unprofessional-looking work can lower your home's value and make it less attractive to potential buyers.
Consider Your Tool Collection
You can use tools you already own, or are inexpensive to purchase, for many do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Some tasks may require equipment rental or mandate purchasing expensive tools. The cost of buying or renting the tools necessary for your project may not make it any more affordable than hiring a contractor. If you're basing your decision on purely economic factors, crunch the numbers first. A professional repair person already has all of the tools and materials necessary for your project. While you may need to buy tools, purchase a box of nails when you only need a dozen of them, and pick up, learn to use, then return rental equipment.
Demanding Work
Some home improvement projects, such as roofing, gutter installation, exterior painting and masonry involve either working on ladders or high up on a roof. Some jobs require you to do a lot of heavy lifting, a pack of roof shingles or a bag of cement can easily weigh 80 pounds each. In order to do this type of work, you have to not only be physically fit and comfortable with heights, but you must be committed to working safely and realizing the potentially serious risks.
Time is Money
Know in advance how much time you want to put into a project before starting it. Consider the possibility that your time may be worth more that it would cost to hire a contractor or handyman. If possible, you may be better off working some overtime and hiring a handyman to take care of the project at home. If you have the money, and the project looks infinitely demanding, consider hiring a pro. Choose a professional instead who has been educated, trained, and licensed.
The truth is that DIY projects aren’t always easy or cheap, and they may involve technical work that’s best left to the professionals. Take it from me, an ambitious self-taught, recovering DIYer, there’s a reason the term “Pinterest fail” has become popular to describe projects gone wrong. The Internet can make a project look inexpensive and easy, but that doesn’t always mean it is.
Other Considerations to Save Money
Job Share - Discuss with your contractor whether you can do some of the work in order to lower the project cost. For example, you may be able to do demolition which does not take much skill and you can hire the contractor to come in and do the skilled labor.
Evaluate your options - How motivated are you to do it yourself? Take on some small home projects first to make sure you really want to "do it yourself" before tackling larger projects.
Assistance - Texas Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers home improvement programs, assistance and/or resources to help homeowners with home repairs and improvements. HUD can let you know what grants are available in your area. The National Residential Improvement Association (NRIA) can also help you find grants to help pay for your home repairs.
If you've decided that you can tackle the project after all, you'll not only save money but will also have a sense of pride and accomplishment in your work. You will learn on the job. Once you've tackled the installation of a door, you may decide to build your own deck or lay a hardwood floor. Knowing how to do at least some of your own home repair projects is a valuable skill.
In the end, there are far more factors to consider when deciding to do a DIY project than whether it might save you money. While money is certainly a factor, just as important can be your time, enjoyment, and skill level. Next time you’re considering a DIY project, make sure to weigh all the pros and cons.
If you live in the Galveston Bay Area and are thinking about home renovations, book a discovery call. It will help us determine if our services will suit your needs.
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