The Real Cost of DIY

Here is an article we found on the NAHB Website about the pros and cons of DIY

 

Weigh Your Options Before a Do-it-Yourself Remodel

According to HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau, home owner do-it-yourself (DIY) projects accounted for 37 percent of all home remodeling projects performed nationwide from 2010-2011. While most professional remodelers understand that home owners will do some of their own home repairs or small renovations, after repairing many a DIY gone awry they overwhelmingly believe that many jobs should be left to the pros.

The desire among home owners to tackle repair and remodeling projects has risen with the popularity of Pinterest and design blogs and the prevalence of home improvement stores. Before attempting to recreate the gorgeous bathroom from your Pinterest board in your own home, consider the following before sinking your resources into the project.

Safety

Without the proper training and preparation, a DIYer can and has landed in the emergency room. Unfamiliarity with new tools and techniques can lead to life-threatening accidents. Follow product directions and safety procedures and always use proper safety equipment.

A good rule of thumb for any home owner is to avoid projects that require a license. Veteran remodelers advise against doing electrical or plumbing work on your own and avoid making structural changes to walls, roofs and floors. You run the risk of compromising the structural integrity of your home and having a large hole in your roof or floor. Leave this work in the hands of professionals with the proper training.

Even projects that appear simple like laying floor tile can result in you stubbing your toes every time you are in that room if improperly installed.

Time

DIYers often tackle larger projects than they can handle before the holidays so that visiting family can enjoy the updates. But when something goes wrong, there is no one to hold to the deadline. Hiring a professional will ensure that you have a contract with a completion date and that the remodeler will bring in whatever help is necessary to get the job finished on time.

Even professional remodelers sometimes need extra time on projects when they find surprises behind walls. Troubleshooting these issues often takes more time and expertise than originally planned. If timing is a priority for your weekend warrior, call a professional remodeler to get your project completed.

Cost

Purchasing new tools is exciting but consider the price of all the specialty tools used for a one-time project when they are sitting untouched in your garage for a few years.

Additionally, many of the products purchased for the DIY market, although designated by a name brand, are not always the same quality available to contractors. It is also important to verify the terms of the product warranty. Many warranties become void by improper installation.

Robert Criner, GMR, CAPS, CGP of Criner Remodeling in Yorktown, Va.cautions all motivated DIYers, “Does it really pay to do the job twice when you can pay a professional to do it once?”

There are some home projects that professional remodelers believe can be tackled by determined DIYers such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, changing door knobs and cabinet pulls, and some aesthetic work (depending on skill level) such as installing crown molding. Just consider the safety risks, time and cost involved in a DIY project of any size.

Still think you can tackle a big remodeling project? Just remember, DIY projects should be fun and suit your skill level. If they’re not, then consider hiring a professional.

For information about hiring a remodeler, contact [insert local home builder association information] and its affiliated remodelers council.  Search the Directory of Professional Remodelers (www.nahb.org/remodelerdirectory) to find a professional remodeler in your area. Visit www.nahb.org/remodel for more information on remodeling.

 

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler

May is National Remodeling Month and to honor it we are posting articles and information from the NAHB website.  These articles contain important information that all homeowners should be aware of, especially those that plan on doing home improvement projects in the future. 

Here is great information posted by the NAHB on how to hire a professional remodeler.  Our comments are below in red. 

"Check out these steps for hiring a professional remodeler:

1. Collect names of remodeling companies.
   Start by searching the National Association of Home Builders’ Directory of Professional Remodelers at www.nahb.org/remodel. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.  Also use resources such as BBB or your local Chamber of Commerce to find qualified remodelers.  Search for virtual showrooms too - houzz, pinterest,, and instagram are fantastic places to view previous work.
   
   
2. Discuss your project with a couple remodelers.
   Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodeler if they can provide background information on their expertise. They may have a website or brochure they can share that describes their experience and accomplishments.  It is essential to discuss all of your goals and wishes, set a realistic budget and discuss it in detail with your contractor.  They can often help your prioritize your wish list and point you in the right direction when making material selections.
   
   
3. Ask if the remodeler has general liability insurance.
   Be sure to ask some important questions about the remodeler’s business that will help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license, if required in your state? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.  Also, ask about workers comp insurance.  Many homeowners don't think about this, but it protects the homeowner from lawsuits if a worker gets injured on their property.  DO NOT overlook this - it is essential.
   
   
4. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
   After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.  Also, check for memberships in NKBA and NARI, in addition to being in a local Chamber of Commerce.  Contractors that spend the money and time on these memberships are often more qualified and perform a higher quality of work than those that don't participate in these organizations.
   
   
5. Don’t fall for the lowest bidder.
   Many people may be lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But beware of these alluring low prices. These bids may be more costly in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced. Professional remodelers have stories about coming into homes to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy work or failed to complete the job. Often times, the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.  True, true, true - cheap is usually not the best way to go when doing a home improvement project!!! Often you end up paying more later on to fix poor quality work.

Make the smartest investment in your home by hiring a professional remodeler. They’ll help you stay on budget, solve remodeling challenges, and provide a higher-quality service."

 

Cyndi

www.redcarpetconstruction.com