A closet renovation; new bathroom tile; upgraded countertops. When it comes to increasing your home’s value, or just improving its overall aesthetic, there are small projects you can do that deliver big results (and immediate ROI!). And, if you have a love for carpentry, painting, and all things DIY, some of those projects can be completed on your own.
However, even though a certain project may seem small, that doesn’t always mean you should attempt it on your own – especially if you don’t have the right tools or a background in home improvements and repairs. So which projects, specifically, can you DIY, and which should you leave to the pros? Read on to find out.
When You Can Rely On DIY…
If you’re looking to build up a little sweat equity, there are certain DIY projects you can complete without having to shell out additional cash through the help of a professional. In general, it’s okay to take on any project that you feel confident in doing, and have the skill set to complete with good results. Keep in mind that the “with good results” part is key here, since lower-quality results could end up costing you more in repairs and re-dos in the future, especially if you’re planning to sell your home.
It’s also good to first consider whether or not you’re someone with the personality to DIY (and appreciate the results, or lack thereof). Just because you watched a YouTube video doesn’t mean you instantly gained a skillset. Along with being okay with the results, even if it looks like an amateur did it, you’ll also need to have patience. Many DIY projects require a bit of research in order to understand the materials you’ll need, and the steps you’ll need to take, to get the job done. If you don’t have the patience and appreciation to fully understand the process, you risk having your project come out subpar.
That being said, projects that don’t require a background in carpentry, electrical, or plumbing are generally a safe bet when it comes to DIY-ing, especially with all of the resources available online today. These include painting, laying down tile, replacing countertops.
Looking to increase your home’s value? DIY these projects this weekend!
… and When to Call in the Pros
When it comes to home projects, safety comes first, and no amount of patience or research can make up for the potential – or cost – of a project gone wrong. If an error in the project could result in making your home unsafe (like a water leak or faulty electrical wiring that could cause a fire), it’s not worth the risk to DIY.
Another reason to hire the help of a professional is if you don’t have the tools and materials required to get the job done. One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional for your project is their access to power tools and materials to easily complete the job. Price out your options, and if the investment in new tools and equipment is greater than the cost of hiring a pro, cut your losses and contract out the job.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it can be a safer bet to leave the handiwork to the handyman. That’s because the better the aesthetic of your home, the higher its value – which means more cash in your pocket upon the sale to help outweigh the upfront costs of a contractor.
Finally, remember that time is money. Completing a DIY project takes an incredible amount of time and patience, so if bringing in a professional to complete a project can free up your time to work on other tasks and projects, the benefits can outweigh the risks, and no one can blame you for that!
