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To DIY or Hire a Pro: Top Considerations

There are many benefits to living a DIY home improvement lifestyle. You learn valuable skills that help you save money and take ownership of turning your house into a home. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in DIY work that money can’t buy. Yet, there are times when it’s best to contact a professional.

Consider these important questions if you’re wondering when to buy and when to DIY.

Is Safety a Concern?

The top priority when engaging in home improvement tasks is safety. This applies to both your safety in performing the tasks and anything that could impact your safety if the job is done incorrectly. 

According to an expert Gahanna electrician, electrical work is a prime example of when it’s better to call a professional rather than attempt repairs or upgrades yourself. You can experience a potentially fatal shock during electrical work and put your household at risk of an electrical fire with even a minor mistake. Roofing is another example where safety is a concern. Professional roofers have the experience and equipment to do the job with minimal risk.

If safety is questionable, leave the task to the pros.

Are There Other Risks?

It’s also important to consider other risks associated with major repairs and upgrades. If you make a mistake, will it risk property damage and significant repair costs? For example, if you’re trying to repair a pipe or faucet and it leaks into the floor below, you could be looking at extensive property damage that may not be covered by insurance. 

Consider all the possibilities of what could go wrong and if the risks are worth the DIY.

What’s Your Experience Level?

It’s also essential to consider your experience level through a realistic lens. If you have a basic understanding of plumbing systems, you might be able to swap out your bathroom faucet. If you’ve painted before and feel confident in your abilities, there’s no need to hire a professional painter.

Consider the skill level involved with the project you’re looking to DIY and match them to your experience. While you’ll never learn anything if you don’t pursue new skills, it might be beneficial to get help from someone who has completed these tasks before for guidance.

What are the Cost Associations?

Many people take a DIY approach to home improvements in an effort to save money. This reason is entirely valid. However, it’s important to determine how much money you’ll realistically save by going DIY. Determine how much money you’re willing to spend, what professional services would cost, and what it would cost to acquire the materials yourself.

It’s also important to understand the timing and opportunity cost. If you have to take time off work to handle this project or pay for childcare, is it worth doing it yourself? 

You can also explore options for doing a partial DIY and hiring a pro for certain aspects of the project. For example, you might paint your entire house except for the cathedral ceiling foyer. Alternatively, you might assemble all the cabinets and install the lower ones while leaving the hanging to an expert.

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and learn from experience. However, be realistic in your abilities and always hire a pro when safety or your home’s integrity is a factor.

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