DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

DIY is short for Do It Yourself. With different websites and TV shows dedicated to DIY, people tend to opt for DIY option to save money. When considering a larger project, such as remodeling or renovating your home, is DIY the way to go? Or should a professional handle the job?

Photo Credit: SergioXC via Compfight cc

Photo Credit: SergioXC via Compfight cc

Bankrate.com offers three things to take into consideration when making the decision:

  1. Assess your skills.
    Experience and patience are important factors to a successful project. It will be difficult to tackle a large project yourself without the proper experience.

  2. Consider the costs.
    It may be cheaper just purchasing the material yourself, but if you do not have to tools needed for the project, it could be costly. It might be cheaper to hire a contractor.

  3. Evaluate your options.
    Compare the cost of remodeling yourself with the cost of hiring a contractor, as well as the tradeoffs for each option, to determine which route to choose.

The article may be read here

Moneycrashers.com provides possible decision making considerations…

SAFETY FIRST!
- The DIY project can possibly kill you if you are not experienced.
- You could destroy your home
- Some projects may require a permit

KNOW THE ROPES…
- The job may be dangerous
- Mistakes can be costly
- It can hurt your home’s value

TIME IS MONEY
- Price the professional job
- Add the DIY costs
- Estimate time required
- Calculate your hourly wage

For a detailed explanation, the article may be read here.

With these topics to consider, one can determine whether or not it is feasible to do without a contractor.

Contact Kaplan Construction at 562-495-0483 or via email  if you decide to go with a contractor for any home renovations or additions.