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Every homeowner comes to the same crossroads at some point: when do you call a professional and when do you handle it yourself? It?s a difficult decision on a good day, but it?s even more challenging if you?re a ?do it yourself? (DIY) type. Why? Because it?s not easy to admit that your skills or competence may not be up to par.
Are you looking to have a construction, home improvement or repair project done in the weeks and months ahead? Are you unsure about what you can reasonably do or if the professionals and experts are needed? Check out these Top 10 Questions for Home Improvement Projects and Major Repairs. A real must for expert DIYers and home improvement newbies alike.
- Do I have the skills needed? If you don?t, you?re in trouble. Call the home improvement professionals.
- Can I learn on the job? If you can, try it. But, don?t risk it if it?s a major capital improvement project on your home or a significant landscaping effort that requires major construction or engineering expertise.
- Do I have the time? Sometimes, we have the skill to do the work ourselves, but don?t have sufficient time to devote to the home improvement project or repair. This can disrupt any home. Think carefully before committing to doing a home improvement project. Develop a calendar. If this can?t be done, you may have to call the experts this time.
- Do I have the money? Even if you do it yourself, you?ll need money upfront to buy supplies, building material, and tools. Sometimes this isn?t worth the investment if these items will only be used once. Call the experts if it makes more sense. That way, you?re not spending more than what you need to get the job done.
- Do I have the tools to the job? If you don?t, think carefully about investing in tools that only serve a limited purpose. It?s one thing to buy drop cloths, brushes and other paint supplies. Chances are, you?ll put these to good use over time. It?s quite another thing to invest in specialized equipment or tools that serve a limited purpose. In this case, it may make more sense to call the pros in to do the work on your home.
- Is it worth your time and money? Your time and money is valuable. If you can leverage someone else?s time and access to professional tools, supplies and equipment, do it. If your time is limited, call in the home improvement experts.
- Is it safe or healthy to do the work? There?s no reason to put yourself or your family at risk. Call in the professionals who can take the risk off your shoulders.
- Are there potential hazards if I do the work? Getting up on a ladder looks easy. But, it isn?t if you don?t do it day in and day out, as the professionals do. It?s important to evaluate these hazards before you decide who?s going to do the home improvement job. Call in the professionals if they are better trained and equipped to deal with hazards like fumes, confined space, building material, electrical and gas lines, among others.
- Are there reasonable alternatives in my area? If you have reasonable alternatives to doing the home improvement job yourself, you may want to build this into your plan. For example, if it makes sense to have an appliance store remove a refrigerator after installing a new one, do it. Especially if it saves you time, money or injury.
- Can I get a good recommendation on, say, a painter, plumber, electrician, or other skilled trades person? It also makes good sense to bring in reputable home improvement experts. Recommendations go a long way in helping you decide if the experts bring the quality work and values you?re looking for.
Excellent and quality work can be secured at an affordable cost, within budget and schedule. Sometimes professional expertise can be pricey, but preferable to the disruption and inconvenience you might have if you choose to do the work yourself.
Sometimes the work may require special expertise, like design, architectural plans or landscaping, that may demand the professionals come into the picture. Homeowners need to be open to these and other practical realities in judging whether or not it makes good sense to call the home improvement experts in. Sometimes, you can limit the amount of professional expertise needed on a job. Other times, you?ll want the pros to handle the entire home improvement or remodeling job. Homeowners simply need to have a plan, and think carefully before they make the call.
RESOURCES
Planning and Troubleshooting Home Improvement Projects
by M.G. Hardiman for Associated Content
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
www.nari.com
ePlans
www.eplans.com
House Beautiful
www.HouseBeautiful.com
HGTV
www.hgtv.com
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America
www.pdca.org
National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA)
www.paint.org
Paint and Decorating Retailers Association
www.pdra.org
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