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.
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