Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY – When is it time to call a professional?



DIY projects are rarely as easy as they seem, and all too often it ends up costing you,” says Angie Hicks, founder of online referral service Angie's List.
If you’re a fan of HGTV or TLC, you’ve seen the families who try to remodel their home themselves and end up living in a construction zone for months, some for years, and never have a finished home. It’s stressful and could have been avoided by following these simple guidelines for hiring a contractor vs. DIY:
   1.  How big is the project? You might not know until you knock down a wall or remove a toilet or sink. If you have to remove something to understand the full scope of the project, you want to hire a licensed contractor. They have the skills, expertise, and resources to fix and finish the project in a reasonable amount of time.
2.      What is your level of experience for this type of project? You might be a weekend warrior when it comes to home improvement but that does not mean you can fix your friend’s car. Understanding your experience and limitations will (or should) help you determine when it’s time to call a contractor.
3.      What is the cost of the project? If you can hire a contractor for less money and/or time, you should probably do it especially if there is a specific deadline for your project (new baby on the way, relatives coming for a visit, etc.). Be realistic about the amount of time you can spend on the project including your work schedule and family and social obligations.
4.      What does the project require? Consider the purchase of tools, equipment rental, and permits required for the job. If you need any or all of these, it’s time to call a contractor.
5.      Are you in over your head? It’s okay to throw in the towel if a simple DIY turns into a longer term, more complicated project. The sooner you stop and let a professional take over, the better for you and your wallet.
While we want to save money by taking care of small projects around the home, sometimes the best thing is to hire a licensed contractor.

If you realize your project is more than you can handle here is a great General Contractor—Phil Pfeif with Better Built Construction  He can do all your large projects. Now for the honey do lists or smaller projects Nathan with Optimal Services can attend to them. 
If you realize even if you did some improvements to your home, it still will not fit your needs and it’s time to move, my team at Beery Realty is here to help you! 
Contact us today to learn more. BeeryRealty@gmail.com  or 480-570-1912.

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