Your Remodeling Project; To DIY or to Hire?
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012We all love to brag about do-it-yourself projects, but before you spend too much time dreaming of showing off your skills and boasting about your savings, you should understand the reality of the potential problems you could run into by taking on a remodeling project yourself.
To help you determine if a DIY project such as replacing windows, refinishing cabinets or remodeling your kitchen is a good idea for you and your family, we suggest you complete the follow exercise.
Check all the boxes that apply to you:
( ) Able to obtain all the necessary materials
( ) Ample time available to complete the project (allow two or three times the estimated duration of project unless you have experience with the particular project)
( ) Can afford to redo any unsatisfactory work
( ) Confirmed that assistants are willing and available to help on this project
( ) Determined that it is safe for you to undertake this project
( ) Enjoy physical labor
( ) Family will be tolerant of the time it takes to complete the project
( ) Finish what you start
( ) Figured in ALL costs including materials, time and tools (including those for correcting mistakes)
( ) Have a back-up plan if some aspect of the project gets derailed (Many contractors will not agree to complete an unfinished, botched DIY job)
( ) Knowledgeable about local permit requirements and building codes
( ) Own an extensive variety of tools
( ) Patient
( ) Persistent
( ) Possess a wide range of home improvement skills (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, finishing, etc.)
( ) Prepared to handle the stress on the family that home improvement projects create
( ) Reviewed instructions from manufacturers to determine that you have the proper skills to complete the project
( ) Skill level is at an expert level to yield quality results
If you have checked at least 8 boxes, a DIY project may be a reasonable choice for you. But, before you make the final decision to do the project yourself, we suggest you review the boxes you did not check and consider the possible problems you could be facing if you decide to go ahead with the project on your own.
After this exercise, you might determine that hiring a home improvement expert is a better decision for you and your family. If you decide doing it yourself is not such a good idea after all, please call us and we will painlessly complete your windows, doors, kitchens, siding or trim project and leave you with results you can enjoy for years to come.
Please call 480-423-9300 for a free, no obligation estimate!






