Should You Do It Yourself?

For many homeowners, buying a home brings a continued commitment to keeping the home up-to-date. Projects come in all sizes; and some owners often find themselves drawn to Do It Yourself (DIY) projects as a way to save money and keep up with general maintenance and design trends. Whether motivated by a desire to save money, unleash creativity, or simply tackle small tasks on a to-do list, DIY projects can be very alluring. But are all projects worthy of DIY, and should you take the risk? Read on to learn more.
What to Consider:
There are a number of projects within a home or property that are generally safe for DIY, especially if you take the right precautions and follow instructions. But there are a number of projects that are better left to the professionals for a number of owners.
Every person is unique in their confidence and skill level, so it's important to take several factors into consideration when contemplating DIY projects.
Skill Level:
Do you have experience or comfort with the tools and techniques required for the project? If you've never used a hammer and are considering building a deck on your own, this is the exact time to consider your skill level and whether it suits the proposed project. Don't make the mistake of taking on more than you can handle.
Time Commitment:
All projects take time - will you have the time to prep, execute, and clean up? You don't want to be rushed, so time is an absolute must to consider before you even begin. Will you have to work around other schedules (work, kids, family, etc.)? It might seem like a quick project, but if you only have one day a week to work on it, the project may feel like it has no end.
Budget:
Many people choose DIY over a professional company in order to minimize costs. But budget is an important part of the project: consider the costs of materials, tools (will you rent or buy?), and any additional supplies you might need. You might also want to factor in the added cost of fixing the project if it doesn't go to plan the first time.
Permits and Regulations:
Depending on your location, you may have to get a permit for your project to comply with local building codes. You'll need time to research this, and it's very likely there will be costs associated with permits or inspections, so factor both time and money into your budget for these items.
Help and Support:
Are you a one man/woman band? Do you have friends, family, online communities, or other avenues to seek assistance from? Collaboration can make the process more enjoyable, but if you don't have a support network, you could end up feeling lost and alone on a project that's too big to handle on your own.
Great Projects for DIY:
The good news is that there are a number of home projects generally safe for DIY, especially if you take precautions, follow instructions, and if you feel 100% comfortable with the level of effort needed. Some of the most common, and typically safe, DIY projects include:
Painting: Interior walls, furniture, and trim can be painted with minimal risk, as long as you use proper ventilation and protective gear.
Simple Repairs: Fixing small issues like squeaky doors, loose cabinet knobs, or minor plumbing leaks can usually be done quickly and with minimal cost.
Decorative Projects: Creating wall art, photo displays, or homemade decor items are relatively easy and add a quick and fun addition to a home.
Caulking and Weather Stripping: These tasks improve energy efficiency and are relatively simple and easy to do with the right materials.
Simple Landscaping: Trimming bushes, mulching flower beds, adding gravel or river rock, and installing solar lighting are all projects easy to do by many homeowners.
Installing Shelving: Using the appropriate anchors and tools, adding shelves to a room is an excellent DIY project.
Basic Electrical: Changing light bulbs, replacing outlets, or even installing a new light fixture can be safe and simple DIY projects if you turn off the power and follow guidelines.
A woman putting together a piece of furniture with a drill.
Every homeowner is unique, and every skill level is different. You are the only one that can speak to your confidence; when it comes to DIY, choose projects that fall within your skill and comfort level to ensure your project is fun, rewarding, and has a finish date! And remember - it's always ok to call a professional if you need help.