Should You Do a Project Yourself or Hire a Contractor? | |
Do-it-yourselfers can save at least 20% of the cost of a job by supplying the labor. But before you can pocket the savings consider the DIY damage factor. If you botch the job it might cost you money instead of save it. Wisdom may comes with age but DIY experience comes from doing it. If you have successfully completed repair and improvement projects, consider yourself ready to tackle new ones. Most of your acquired skills and confidence apply to other jobs. If you're a rookie, the best way to get experience is to begin with a job like painting a room whichthat doesn't require a big investment in tools and materials or your time. Start small and choose jobs with a guaranteed success rate built-in so you're encouraged to continue down the DIY path. If you need a tool to complete a job, don't forget to factor in its cost when you make your budget. Tools are a good investment so buy the best quality you can afford. Don't go crazy and rationalize buying high-end tools unless you'll use them regularly. Rent specialty tools to make the job easier and safer. Some DIY projects involve mostly labor and require very little investment in materials, like removing wallpaper and landscaping work. Other projects requiring expensive materials like high-end carpeting or wallcovering. As the price of materials rises, the relative cost of professional installation goes down. For example, a tile installer charges the same rate to lay standard grade tile as the more pricey hand-painted material. Think twice before doing a project with costly materials. Begin tackling DIY projects that have moderately priced materials as your experience and confidence grows, then take on more expensive projects. Before you begin a project that involves electrical or plumbing work, check with your local building department. For many jobs you have to take out a permit. Sometimes codes require that work is completed by a licensed professional, some allow homeowners to work on their own houses. Whoever does the work, it must meet the code. After a fire, some insurance companies refuse claims if a homeowner did work that didn't meet building codes. Noncomplying electric or plumbing work, or, for that matter, any work done on a house that does not meet code can jeopardize the sale of a house. Doing-it-yourself can be risky business, especially if you're a klutz or not in good physical shape. Think twice about jobs that involve lifting heavy objects, operating cumbersome machines or power tools, and climbing up on your roof. Weight all the odds and put your health and safety as top priority. Even a contractor has trouble scheduling a job, so how can a homeowner expect to know how? For a first-time project, triple the time you think it will take and you'll be fairly close. Make a detailed list of what a project involves to get a handle on how long it takes. Don't forget "go-for" time to get parts and materials. Don't start any jobs by yourself with a deadline around an important event like Christmas or a wedding. Assume Murphy's Law will prevail and give yourself more than enough time to complete your work. Jobs like rodding out a smelly sewer or crawling around a hot attic in itchy insulation bring out the best or worst in you. Doing unpleasant work can save you money, but is it worth it? Only you can decide. Before starting a disagreeable task, get an estimate from a contractor. Then you can decide just how much your personal comfort or discomfort is worth. Written by the editors of HouseNet Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |