Home Improvement Ideas – When To Hire Professional Help

January 10th, 2009 Posted in Home Improvement

Every do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement cowboy knows how hard it is to ask for help, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and pick up the phone to call in the cavalry.

So, if you’re contemplating an upcoming home improvement or home renovation project, there are a few considerations you should weigh before deciding between tackling the job on your own or hiring a qualified professional.

1. Budget

Can you afford the cost? If your budget is tight and you can’t afford the services of a full contractor, consider taking on help for particular jobs or as a consulting service.

For example, if you know you can handle redoing everything in your bathroom except for the wiring, you should only hire an electrician for that one small job. Hiring an expert for just a few hours also comes in handy during the planning stages.

If you’re unsure of where to start or have serious questions about load bearing walls or permit problems, bring in a contractor for an afternoon of consulting. Let him tell you what needs to be done and how to do it, then do the job yourself.

Another option is to hire labor as you need it. If you’re on a deadline, hire a few local workers or neighborhood teenagers to help you with the grunt work of digging holes, re-shingling roofs or painting rooms. This type of labor is fairly cheap and can save you a lot of time.

2. Know Your Capabilities – Be Honest with Yourself

Messing up a job can cost you more money in the long run, so make sure you’re able to get it done right.

Use resources like how-to books, your local hardware store, instructional DVD’s and the Internet to learn about the project you’re planning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Calling in an expert for relief after you’ve started can often be more expensive than hiring one in the first place.

3. Is it Safe?

If you ever feel like you’re in over your head, especially when it comes to electrical work or gas piping, always call a professional. Don’t risk your safety or the safety of your family for the hopeful savings of a few dollars.

Every home home improvement DIY’ers number one priority should always be safety, regardless of the project’s importance. So, if you find yourself facing exposed live wires, bursting pipes or active gas, call in an expert. That will be a relatively small expense for your protection.