Home improvement projects come in a variety of styles, from very simple to extravagant, and knowing when to do a home project on your own or find a handyman is a crucial step in the overall outcome. Whether your home project will increase value or aesthetic, or you need to do some home repair work, ask yourself the following questions before deciding to DIY or hire a local contractor.
Safety First
When considering doing a home repair or project on your own, ask yourself what the worst possible outcome could be? If the answer is serious injury or death, reconsider if it’s worth the risk. Serious damage to your home is another reason to reconsider – perhaps you replace the toilet yourself but don’t tighten the pipes enough, causing water damage that you’ll then have to repair. Safety should never be compromised to save money.
Difficulty Level
Another essential part of your decision-making process should be the difficulty of the project at hand. If it’s a small job, such as putting up curtain rods, chances are it won’t be too difficult, but researching how to DIY your project beforehand will help you avoid errors and delays. Be sure to check if the project will need a specific tool or product to complete.
If a project is more complex, consider your own abilities and experiences with home improvement. If it’s something that requires a permit, you’ll likely need to enlist the help of a local contractor.
Overall, the difficulty of a project can be determined based on the tools needed (and if they’re on hand) and the scale of the project, with bigger home projects usually being more difficult.
Duration of Home Projects
An additional aspect to consider is how long the project will take.
You’ll have to complete all of your regular daily activities in addition to your DIY project, so is it something you can complete on a weekend, or that’s going to drag on? Even a small job can be time-consuming, depending on what materials you’re using. Concrete, silicone, and caulk are common materials used in homes that take 24 hours to fully cure (or
solidify) before you can move onto the next step. These details are important when considering the overall duration of your project, so find a handyman if these projects will take too long.
Overall Cost
The biggest reason most people learn how to DIY a project is to save money, and while it appears to be more cost-effective, sometimes it’s actually not. Local contractors usually have business accounts with hardware stores that allow them to buy materials cheaper. They also have the expertise to get a project done the right way the first time. Be honest with yourself about your abilities and get a quote about the overall cost from a contractor before deciding if DIY is the best option for you.
Hopefully, this guide was helpful to you in your decision-making process. And remember when you need a quote for a local handyman, Local Contractor can provide multiple quotes from contractors near you, fast!
