Home Renovations – DIY or Hire a Contractor?

Homeowners spend a lot of time at their homes, so it makes sense that they’d want to make the house as pleasant and functional as possible. As a result, many people buy houses with the intention of renovating to suit their needs.

The first decision homeowners need to make when considering a renovation is whether to hire a contractor to do the job or do it themselves. There are numerous resources available online and elsewhere to help with DIY projects and many homeowners can easily paint walls or handle other aesthetic and cosmetic enhancements. Handier homeowners can even do more advanced jobs, such as tiling and woodworking.

Experts recommend that homeowners avoid taking on jobs that could be costly if done incorrectly, including heating, electrical, and plumbing renovations. Another big consideration is time. An experienced contractor can generally get the job done in a fraction of the time as a homeowner (especially one who is learning as they go) and get it done better since they have the experience and the appropriate tools.

To save money, homeowners can opt to do some parts of a project themselves, such as installing trim or painting a wall, while hiring out for the more technical parts of the renovation. Another way to save money is to buy all the materials ahead of time, then hire a professional to install them. This can help the homeowner save by finding items that are discounted or purchasing discontinued products that are marked down.

If a homeowner chooses to work with a contractor, there are ways to make the process go smoother and set up a good rapport. First of all, the homeowner and contractor should discuss and be clear about the budget before the project begins. This will help the contractor make the right choices about design and the materials being used to keep the project within the established financial boundaries. Secondly, the homeowner should be willing and prepared to discuss every detail of the renovation to ensure that the final result is to their liking. Managing financial and aesthetic expectations is critical.

The homeowner should also be patient throughout the renovation. Contractors generally set a timeline that works best for them and ensures that the area being remodeled is out of commission for the shortest amount of time possible. That being said, remodeling is a process that can take longer than anticipated and disrupt the homeowner’s regular routine, so patience and understanding can help a homeowner get through a renovation with less stress.

When it comes to costs, home renovation costs can vary wildly. In order to get a reliable estimate, homeowners should identify in detail the full scope of the project. They should also assess the return on investment potential for the project, keeping in mind that the remodeling cost could cause their total investment to exceed the current market value of the home.

After gathering this information, the homeowner should then obtain and compare estimates from several reliable contractors. Homeowners should also add between 10 and 20 percent to the estimates as a contingency to cover unexpected costs that may come up during the project.

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