Ways to Decide When to Call a Professional Contractor

Owning a home can be expensive. First come the bills and maintenance projects we are obligated to take care of, and then there are those home improvement projects we want to do.

More and more people are becoming inspired by do-it-yourself shows or online videos that make any project seem manageable. Before starting any demolition, it is important to evaluate whether this is a DIY job or something to leave to a professional!

1. Your level of skill. A good way to measure if a project might be beyond your skill set is to identify if it is safe for you to do. Electrical or plumbing projects (beyond changing a showerhead) are tasks that could likely harm you or damage your home if done incorrectly. If the project requires you to pull a permit, it might be a good idea to at least get a professional consultation before starting.
2. The time you have to dedicate to the project. Estimating the time it will take to complete your project can be tricky. Depending on the size of the project and your already busy schedule, a DIY project can take months! Create a generous rough estimate of how long a project may take and how long you are comfortable living in a partially completed space. Know what you are getting yourself into before anything happens.
3. How much you can afford to spend. You may think a DIY project will be a big cost savings versus hiring a professional, but you could be wrong. Be sure to factor in your time, materials, and tools when comparing your costs to those of a contractor. Look to get estimates from several contractors to see what options you have and where it might make sense to shell out a little more to avoid the headaches of getting in over your head.

The decision ultimately comes down to you and your comfort levels. The three tips above are just a few of many that should be evaluated in terms of cost and convenience. Most important is that the project is done safely.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? What are some things you consider when deciding whether to roll up your sleeves or call a professional?

http://www.moneycrashers.com/do-it-yourself-diy-hire-contractor-home-improvement/

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/hire-a-pro-or-play-the-pro-a-diy-dilemma-1.aspx