DIY Or Hire A Professional?

What Home Improvements You Can Do vs. What To Leave to The Experts.

When you’re looking into repairs for your home, the cost can be intimidating. Many people choose the “do it yourself” option to save money. Pros don’t come cheap, so cutting out labour costs is a great way to come in on budget.

However, some projects are too much to take on for a homeowner (and are too important to risk messing up)! First, ask yourself if you have the time and the ability to accomplish each task. Then, do the math to see how much you’ll save. When you add up the cost of needed tools and necessary time, is it going to be worth it in the end?

While each person’s skill level contributes to whether or not they can take on a project, there are generally some tasks that are best left to the pros. Here is a guide to common home improvements, and whether to DIY or Hire A Pro:

Paint: DIY

Painting a home is an affordable yet effective way to increase its value. Choose a light neutral shade to freshen up a space. The key to painting well, not in a way that looks obviously unprofessional, is to have all the right equipment and to prepare. Tape off ceilings and baseboards, tarp any furniture, prime the walls, and watch tutorials online. Also, make sure you invest in quality brushes and paint! There’s nothing worse than going to all that effort and ultimately being dissatisfied with cheap looking paint.

Addition: Pro

An addition is a way to add plenty of value to your home (for example, by creating more bedrooms). However, since it will require a permit and foundational/structural work, it’s important to get it done by a professional. You don’t want to build an addition only to be told to remove it because you didn’t get proper approval. You also don’t want to have an addition that is poorly constructed and dangerous, therefore actually reducing your home’s value.

Flooring: DIY

Yes, you can re-do floors yourself! If you are ambitious about DIY projects, you can save a good chunk of money this way. From simple peel-and-stick tiles, to laying new hardwood, it is possible with some research and tutorials. (Tip for more skilled DIY-ers: Sand and refinish hardwood to make a big difference if it’s in salvageable shape. You can rent needed equipment if you decide to go this route). If you do choose to have a professional in, remove old carpet or tile yourself to save money.

New Sink: DIY

If you have an older sink you want to replace, you can do it yourself as long as major plumbing work isn’t involved. Turn off the water, remove the old sink, buy a new one that will fit right into your vanity, then connect it. Do you also want to replace the vanity? Check out your local ReStore (Habitat For Humanity) for a new or gently used one that will look great for less!

Plumbing and Electrical: Pro

Unless you happen to be an expert at plumbing or electrical work, hiring a professional for either is necessary. Since they are both very important to the overall function of your home, if something were to go wrong with a DIY attempt, the fallout could be costly- financially or even physically.

Plumbing issues can damage structural elements or cause bad leaks, leading to expensive repairs. You don’t want to have to pay to do something, then pay to have it fixed. Also, if something went wrong with electrical work you could be injured…or worse. Seriously. For these reasons, someone who does it for a living is the way to go.

Fixtures: DIY

With that being said, you can install your own new light fixtures. If you’re not re-wiring, but want to replace a dated fixture, you don’t need to hire someone. Choose a modern and affordable fixture that will look great in the space (and add value). Just turn off the breaker so there’s no power going to the light while you do it. Look up tutorials about how to safely install a new fixture. 

Exterior: DIY

A great way to add value to your home is by paying attention to “curb appeal.” If you want to sell your home after these improvements, consider how important the exterior is for listing photos and first impressions. Some people won’t even choose to look inside at all the great work you’ve done if the exterior looks uninviting. Paint if needed, remove yard waste/grimy old furniture, and manicure your lawn. Cleaning walkways and decks with a power washer is also an option. Finally, add some simple plants and flowers for a pop of colour.

Hardware/Backsplash: DIY

These two updates to a kitchen really make it look more modern for less cost. You can install backslash tiles yourself and replace old kitchen knobs and hardware. Choose tiles that go well with the rest of the space, and check out online inspiration photos and videos about what looks stylish, and how to install them well.

Kitchen Cabinets: Maybe DIY

It sounds like a lot of work, but with kitchen kits you actually could install them yourself. However, this project is probably best for a person who has done other DIY projects around the home before, since it is such an important room. Got a handy family member or friend? Enlist their help too. If you want a more elaborate or custom kitchen however, hiring someone is definitely worth it.

Final Tips:

Stay safe: If you feel nervous about your ability to complete a project right and safely, don’t do it. The savings aren’t worth it if you hurt yourself. Consider which tasks you can do, and only do those yourself. Even if something is in theory a DIY option, but you’re not confident doing it, contact a professional. 

Do the prep work yourself. For any project you choose to hire someone for, consider doing the demo first. Hiring someone to redo a bathroom? Remove the tile before they arrive. Want a new deck built? Demolish the old one first. By doing this easier prep work first, you cut back on the time it will take a pro, and therefore cut back on the time you need to pay them for.

What projects have you done yourself? How did it go, and what did you learn?