4 Reasons Why You Should Leave Home Improvement Projects To The Pros

When it comes to home renovation projects, some folks love a challenge.  Sure, going DIY can save you money, give you complete control and provide you with a huge sense of fulfilment – assuming you know what you’re doing. But times have changed and going DIY may not be the best option anymore. Here are a few reasons why you might want to call on the professionals instead of tackling home improvement projects by yourself.

4 Reasons Why You Should Leave Home Improvement Projects To The Pros

1.  DIY Can Be Dangerous (If You Don't Know What You're Doing)

Not all DIY jobs are particularly dangerous, however many can be, especially if you are unsure as to what you're doing. Accident-related injuries are the biggest concern, and can include falls from ladders, short circuiting electrical wires and injuring oneself with power tools. Botched DIY jobs can also result in later accidents (some of which can be fatal).  These include gas leaks, fires from faulty wiring and collapsing walls and ceilings from support failure. Hiring a professional home improvement company such as American Home Contractors could prevent shoddy work and risk of serious injury.  Speak to a pro to decide if your project warrants professional skill.

​2.  It's Illegal To Do Some Jobs Without A License

Growing legislation is making it harder for the common layperson to do many DIY projects without a permit. A lot of electrical work can only be done with an electrical license, and any illegal DIY electrical work that is eventually discovered could come with costly fines or penalties. In most cases, such permits are there to protect neighbors and future owners who could be affected by a botched job.  If your DIY project involves electrical work, call a professional electrical company like Gilston Electrical Maintenance.  They will have the knowledge and skill to get your job completed as required by law.

Working with contractors doesn’t mean having to relinquish all control over the project. As the client, you’re still entitled to play project manager and make changes if things aren't turning out the way you anticipated. You may even be able to compromise by doing certain jobs yourself while professionals handle other more complex aspects of your project. 

3.  You Might Not Always Save Money

One of the main reasons homeowners do their own home improvements is to save money.  But going DIY isn't always cheaper.  In addition to purchasing materials, you may have to pull permits, rent equipment and perhaps hire a helper to complete the project.   A professional contractor, on the other hand, should cover most of this as part of their overhead costs.  It also doesn't hurt to ask them for courtesy discounts or if they would be willing to waive certain fees, potentially saving you a few more dollars by hiring a pro.

You could wind up spending a lot more money if things go wrong.

DIY disasters can be costly – if you botch your project, you may need to pay more out of pocket to fix your mistakes. Sure, it’s possible for contractors to make mistakes too, but in most cases a professional will guarantee their work and fix the issue(s) at no extra cost. 

4.  DIY Can Be Time Consuming

These days, a lot of folks just don't have the time or patience to carry out their own home renovations, making hiring a professional the perfect option for busy homeowners.   Before you hire a contractor, ask them the time frame in which they can complete your project, and see if that time frame works for you.  Can you complete the project faster, more affordably and just as accurately as a pro?  Unless you're truly experienced or the project is minimal, my guess is probably not. 

You May Also Like:

• How To Stay Safe With DIY Projects
• The ABC's of Successful Home Improvements

​There Are Times When DIY Is Still A Good Option

Some jobs are so simple--such as putting up a shelf or repainting a skirting board--they don't require any professional skill at all.  if you feel confident doing these types of projects on your own, have at it!  Completing DIY projects will bring you a sense of achievement (and dare I say enjoyment?) that there's no reason to spend money on hiring others to do them for you.  Just make sure you don't try and take on more than you can handle, or try and tackle costly or impractical projects all on your own.

Just how much DIY do we take on ourselves?  Check out this infographic from CBYTools. I can do about four out of five of the most popular DIY tasks myself...how about you?