Should you roll up your sleeves and tackle the renovation yourself? Many people do the same. According to a recent survey, a total of 71% of homeowners complete home projects themselves rather than hiring a contractor.
Reason? Inflation. Due to rising costs, many people reach for their tool belts when starting a project.
While renovations can cost you a lot of money, any cash you manage to save is a win. But is the money saving enough to warrant a DIY job, and do you really save as much as you think?
Let’s answer these questions before you take your first swing of the sledgehammer. Below, you can use these pros and cons of DIY renovations to help you decide if it’s something you want to embark on.
Pro #1: You can save money.
Homeowners embrace DIY work because it saves a lot of money. After all, this means you won’t have to pay a professional to help you with the task.
By tearing out old cabinets and installing new drywall yourself, you can save quite a bit—especially if your job takes days or weeks to complete. According to a Bankrate study, you can save as much as 83% on your bill by not hiring a contractor.
Think about it – a general contractor can charge anywhere between $50 and $150 an hour, and when they are specialty labor their rates skyrocket. Every hour you work yourself puts $150 (or more) in your pocket.
Con #1: You can spend more money.
All studies show that DIY saves money. According to a survey by Home services website Angi40% of homeowners admitted to DIY renovations. More More expensive than they expected.
Why can some people save money and others waste it? It comes down to the unique circumstances of your renovation — your project, your home, and even your experience renovating.
If you are not familiar with the task you want to complete, you may run into trouble. Social media might convince you that anyone can remodel their bathroom or kitchen, but these big jobs take skill and special equipment. Without them, you can do something wrong and have to redo it.
Paying twice for a job is frustrating. It may even be impossible on the actual budget you create for a job. If you run out of money in an emergency, you can go to a website. Credit Fresh To learn about online lines of credit. These personal loans can help you solve unexpected, urgent problems at home, so you don’t have to live in an unsafe, half-repaired home.
Pro #2: You learn new skills.
You don’t need to be a master contractor before you can confidently pick up a hammer without fear of ruining your home. Sometimes, the best way to learn is to do something for yourself. Many people gain lifelong skills by doing DIY renovations.
The important part is to do your research. Don’t jump into a brand new job without understanding what it entails. The Internet has made it easier than ever to find instructional videos about a project—whether it’s repainting your backsplash or installing new wall wiring. However, you should match these videos with the information in a book.
Head to the library to peruse DIY projects. The information published in these books is much more reliable than a random video posted on Instagram. The author has to go through the publishing process to ensure that their advice is practical and safe. People on the Internet don’t face this kind of scrutiny unless they visit a reputable news site or home improvement publication such as This old house.
Con #2: You could hurt yourself.
Some DIY projects put you in precarious positions. Maybe you’re on a ladder, using unfamiliar tools, or down on your luck when a friend drops a heavy weapon at your feet.
It may not seem like it, but your life could be on the line during these renovations. It is important that you avoid the most dangerous activities to protect your health and your wallet. After all, an accident can ruin your home, and change your life, and an unexpected trip to the ER can lead to a huge medical bill.
When it comes to electrical or plumbing work, engage licensed and experienced professionals. You should also approach every DIY job with safety in mind. Always have a spotter when you climb a ladder and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when renovating your home.
Pro #3: Builds confidence and pride.
While it always feels good to complete a project, you’ll have an extra sense of satisfaction when you do it yourself instead of paying someone to do it. Nothing beats the pride and satisfaction of stepping back and looking at your work and thinking, “I did it!”
This sweat equity can go a long way to building your confidence. Not only do you feel proud of a job well done, but you also gain new and inspiring skills that you can use for future DIY projects.
Con #3: It takes time.
Most homeowners have a day job. Between working all week and running your household, you may not have much time to invest in your project. Compare that to hiring a professional who can commit consistent, uninterrupted hours while you’re busy with work or life admin.
You may only have a few hours for the project after work or on the weekend, so it may take you twice as long as a professional. Depending on your schedule, you can work on your project for weeks, months, or years.
Are you ready to live in the chaos of renovations until then? Some people can afford it, but others may reconsider their faith in DIY. The same goes for any ear on this list.
So it’s important to weigh these downsides with all the upsides. A fair assessment of the work ahead can help you decide if a DIY project is worth your time, money, and energy.
Credit : www.upscalelivingmag.com