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Giving your home a fresh new look is rewarding! But, do you attempt to do so yourself or hire a trusted professional? DIY renovation can save money, but it may also be more expensive in the long run when it requires the expertise of a licensed contractor. Here’s a helpful guide on which home improvements can be done DIY and which should be done for you.
When DIY Is a Good Choice
Especially for those with some home improvement experience, DIY is a great way to cut costs. However, this does require you to evaluate your skill level, available time, and knowledge gaps before beginning. A custom space should also be a dependable one, and sometimes, this requires an expert hand. Here are ideal DIY projects:
1. Painting
Flat, single-color painting is incredibly straightforward. With proper preparation, anyone can refresh their home with a new coat of paint. It takes patience, as even with high-quality paint, multiple coats may be required for a professional-looking smooth finish. For ambitious painters, accent walls or decorative painting can add style and a personal touch.
2. Minor Cosmetic Upgrades
Several cosmetic features of the home are made to be updated easily. Changing the look of your home is possible with basic tools and skills only. Swap out cabinet hardware, doorknobs, or light fixtures for a personalized flair. The processes for installing decorative trim or refinishing cabinets are a bit more in-depth but still well within the scope of possibility for DIY.
3. Basic Outdoor Improvements
It is possible to add curb appeal to your home without expert knowledge. More intense projects may require a helping hand, but many outdoor improvements can be accomplished solo. Gardening tasks such as planting flowers, mulching, or basic planter beds are great DIY projects. With a bit of research, non-garden improvements are possible as well. Install outdoor lighting, safely set up a fire pit, or purchase patio furniture to elevate outdoor gathering spaces.
4. Furniture Upcycling
Repurposing old furniture for your current style can be fun and budget-friendly. Proper precautions are required, but refinishing old material will bring new life to your space. Sand old wooden furniture before re-staining or painting it (depending on the quality of the wood), build a headboard of reclaimed wood or repair damaged upholstery with strong thread and an upholstery needle.
When to Call in the Experts
When projects begin to require safety precautions, safe housing requirement compliance, and a high-quality finish, it’s time to call in the experts. Professionals spend their lives doing renovation work and are, therefore, able to work efficiently to achieve high-quality results. Here are some situations where you should hire out:
1. Structural Changes
Altering your home significantly requires extensive knowledge. When done incorrectly, changing the framework of your home can damage its structural integrity. In addition, important building codes are at times difficult for a DIY person to understand. Professionals ensure that no matter what work is being done—removing walls, adding rooms, or other structural changes—the home remains safe and to code. Your home may risk collapse or stability issues if all factors are not properly kept in mind.
2. Electrical Work
Electric work is dangerous. New wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets should all be done by a licensed electrician. Licensed work prevents hazards an unlicensed individual may not be aware of. Faulty work may lead to shocks, short circuits, or even house fires.
3. Plumbing Upgrades
Similar to electrical work, upgrading plumbing can cause significant damage if done poorly. A simple fix such as adjusting a faucet may be a DIY job, but anything significant should be left to a professional. Installing new plumbing lines, updating water heaters, or dealing with sewage systems need to be done with the proper procedure. Without proper precautions, you may deal with water damage or code violations that will be costly to fix in the future.
4. Roof Repairs and Replacement
Sensing a theme? Roofing homes is dangerous and skilled work. If executed wrong, a bad roof will result in a pileup of costs. Water leaks will cause structural damage, and energy costs will go up as a result of lost insulation. A professional roofer installs a roof for long-term durability.
5. HVAC System Repairs and Installations
Another area that requires expertise. HVAC is incredibly important to have done professionally, as faulty installations will cost you more than just their repairs. Inefficient heating and cooling systems will lead to higher energy bills. Ventilation filters the air within the home, resulting in potential health hazards when neglected. A trained HVAC technician will diagnose and repair issues efficiently.
DIY renovations can be fun, cost-effective, and rewarding when they are feasible. However, for anything involving structural or specialty work—such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC—hiring a professional is the smarter investment. Assess your skills, budget, and knowledge gaps before deciding which route to take for the project.
For larger projects, calling in the experts is often the best way to ensure a job well done, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, proper planning and preparation are key to a successful home renovation!
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