Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easier than ever to start a do-it-yourself home improvement project. But just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. There are plenty of home improvement projects you can do yourself, but there are some that are best left to the professionals. How do you know which one is which? This handy guide will help you figure that out.
When should you DIY?
You don’t need to call in a professional to be able to get small and simple projects done, especially if they don’t involve electrical work. Depending on your skill level, you might be able to handle some minor electrical work, but it’s safer and more efficient to leave that job to an industrial electrician. As a general rule, if you consider the project to be more of a hobby than actual work and if you can quickly learn how to do it through a written guide or how-to video, then it’s better to make the renovations yourself rather than hire someone else to do it. Examples of these jobs include:
Painting interiors.
Painting your home’s interiors is an easy project that any home renovating beginner can take on. All you’ll need are paintbrushes, paint rollers, paint, drop cloths, a paint tray, and painter’s tape. Make sure you have a plan in mind for the room or area you want to paint and make sure you cover your furniture or move it away before you begin the project.
Installing a toilet.
Installing a new toilet or replacing your old one isn’t as difficult as it seems. Removing an old toilet requires you only to loosen the bolts and caps that are holding down the tank, and then remove the bowl from the floor. Installing involves calking and fastening the bolts of the new toilet where your old one was.
Changing a ceiling light.
The process of removing and installing a ceiling light is pretty straightforward. You only need to unscrew the old bulb and screw on the new one. Don’t forget to turn off the power before doing so.
When should you hire a professional?
Any renovation project that is unsafe, time-consuming, and requires a permit should be left to a professional. Putting yourself in danger so that you can save some money by doing it yourself is never worth it. It’s better to invest in the services of someone who is trained to do the job. That also ensures that you don’t make a costly mistake or lower the value of your house if you intend to sell it in the future. The following repairs are either too difficult or too dangerous to take on yourself:
Electrical work.
Electricians must undergo rigorous training and practice before they can become licensed. If you aren’t a licensed electrician yourself, avoid tackling these kinds of repairs yourself as they can be extremely dangerous.
Repairing your foundation.
Fixing your home’s foundation without the proper training and materials can be disastrous and cause additional and often costly damage to your property.
Replacing a window.
Replacing your windows can be a very taxing and time-consuming project if you’ve never done it before. Save yourself the time and effort by hiring a professional to do it instead.
While some DIY projects can be enjoyable and cost-saving, others are better left in the hands of someone who has been trained to do those kinds of projects. This guide is an easy way to determine which is which.