Do It Myself or Hire A Contractor – When Should You Do One & When Should You Do The Other

There are advantages and disadvantages as to when to do a home improvement job yourself as opposed to hiring a professional contractor. While it is true that for many projects doing it yourself may save you some money. There are three important items to consider before picking up that hammer or heading down to your local Do It Yourself center.

Item 1 – Let’s Examine Contacts

On the Contractor’s side – These days, especially when it comes to big jobs, the estimate the contractor gives you includes a list of professional contracts to assure that the job is done fast, right, and on time. As the old saying goes, “time is money” and for many it is smarter to pay someone to do what they do best leaving you free to do what you do best.

On the Do It Yourself side – In cases of small jobs they can save lots of money because, most small jobs don’t have an immediate deadline. The lack of experience will result in more time taken up, but can be a good experience because the Do-It-Yourselfer will gain valuable know-how in case the job has to be redone in the future. However, it should not be overlooked that some do-it-yourself jobs can run into some hassles from loved ones, such as, “how long will the kitchen sink be gone”, to neighbors, “how long will your yard look like a battleground”. Time is definitely a tradeoff to consider before tackling any do-it-yourself project.

Item 2 – Let’s Examine Guarantees

On the Contractors side – professional contractors carry insurance on the resulting quality of the job they perform, on their personal safety in case of personal injury, and their workers welfare. For example, if you have a contractor come in to tile your bathroom, the contractor will guarantee that you won’t have to worry about the tile falling into the tub during your next bath.

On the Do-It-Yourself side – The money that you save may quickly disappear if the job turns out wrong and has to be redone, or even worse, you may consider yourself an excellent part-time roofer, but you won’t wrack up lots of savings if you have to miss work because of a broken arm as a result of falling off the roof during your Saturday work session.

Item 3 – Let’s Examine Experience

On the Contractor’s side – A good experienced contractor will come with references in hand. They will be able to walk you through the job while telling you step by step what they will be doing and how long it will take. Their experience will not only guarantee a timely job but also a job that will not need to be redone.

On the Do-It-Yourself side – Unless you have previously done the type of job you are attempting yourself you are going to be at the mercy of your own learning curve. For small projects like outdoor sheds or painting lawn furniture you will probably find that time (or event the lack of it) is on your side because you can go at your own pace and stop with very little notice. But, as stated before, when it comes to doing a project that requires everyday use, such as a bathroom or a kitchen, serious consideration should be taken before tacking any new project as a novice.

It has been said that “experience is the best teacher” and I have found that to be true, but no one says it has to be YOUR experience that teaches you. When in doubt, I find that doing your “homework” is always a good way to go. Take out a sheet of paper and write up the pros and cons. A lot of times this simple exercise will let you know which one is the best direction to take. A professional or yourself.

Oh, by the way, if you have a spouse that says “I told you so” if a do-it-yourself project is botched up, then that definitely goes on the “con” side of the equation.

Happy Home Improving!

Below you will find just a partial list of some of the different types of contractors you may need. I have also included a brief description of what makes one different from the other.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors – Everyone who owns a house knows that sooner or later they will get around to wanting the bathroom remodeled. A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor specializes in ways to make even your simple bathroom a room that you would be proud to show off to family and friends.

Cabinet Contractors – This specialist who builds cabinets can create anything from the simply functional all the way up to the magnificence of one-of-a-kind artisans. The excellent skills they possess provide a uniqueness and beauty to your home which is only limited by your imagination …and your pocketbook.

Carpentry Contractors – Are specialist whose skills are essential for many jobs which may range from basic framing all the way up to exquisitely finished one of a kind furniture.

Concrete Contractors – The very foundation of many jobs (literally) is in the hands of these highly skilled professionals. Whether you need a new sidewalk poured or an old one fixed, a patio poured, or the very foundation of a new building they are the ones you will come to depend on.

Deck & Patio Building Contractors – Their specialties range from repairing an existing deck to building a new one. You choose the type and they make sure it is installed quickly and efficiently with just the right amount of designed accent that will assure you that your new addition blends perfectly with the existing structure.

Drywall Contractors – These specialist lead the field in making sure the first step in a fantastic interior is done well. Hanging and finishing gypsum wallboard is not an easy task (especially on the ceiling) but these professionals make it look easy.

Electrical Contractors – Anyone can change a light bulb and you may wish to take a trip or two to your favorite home repair store if you wish to replace a wall switch, but the really big jobs like circuit breaker panels and the like should be left to the professionals. Out of all the contractors they seem to command the most respect. Remember, when working with electricity–like those who “milk” deadly snake—you should always leave it in the hands of a professional.

Fencing Contractors – these specialist works with repairing and replacing chain link, wooden, or wrought iron fences. Their talents include the installation of all types of gates as well both manual and automatic.

Flooring Contractors – They specialize in supplying the materials as well as installing carpet, linoleum, and hardwood floors.

GENERAL CONTRACTORS – Like the name implies they are considered the leading contractor on any big job. The main reason is that—like the ringmaster of a large circus—their job is to coordinate all facets of the job from cost, to how much time the job will take and then present all the details in one neat package to the person who hired him. Most General Contractors subcontract the different parts of a large job to other contracting specialist in one large coordinated effort with their final goal of getting the entire job done, in time and on budget. The term often used for jobs they complete is “turnkey” because once their job is completed satisfactorily all the buyer is requiring to do is just “turn a key” so to speak and walk into their finished project.

Gutters & Downspout Contractor – They specialize in the new installation of rain gutters and downspouts or the replacement/renovation of existing gutters and downspouts.

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors – They specialize in the installation of new HVAC units or replacing of older systems. They are also called in to do seasonal service to make sure that the units installed are operating at top efficiency.

Insulating Contractors – These specialists install blown or Batt insulation on foundations, as well as ceiling, walls, and floors. If keeping heating and cooling costs down is your aim then the investment into these professionals is a must.

Landscape Contractors – They specialize in landscape design by installing topsoil, plants, and ways of irrigating in the areas of new construction and remodeling.

Masonry Contractors – These specialists are the ones that lay bricks, build fireplaces, some walkways, and patios. Their skills are mostly used in the blocking of buildings.

Painting & Paperhanging Contractors – Specialize in finalizing your projects great look by painting new and existing buildings, both in and out, They also install new wallpaper as well as remove and replace old wallpaper.

Plaster & Stucco Contractors – These professionals are called in to install and repair plaster and stucco. The more highly skilled specialists can redo a job so well that it looks brand new.

Roofing Contractors – These specialists are called in to remove, clean, and replace existing roofs, or to install the roofs on new structures. This includes hot-mopping decks and waterproofing. Because it is vital that this job be done correctly, you should always choose to have a licensed professional roofing company do this over trying to save money by doing it yourself.

Sunroom & Solarium Contractors – As need for alternate ways of natural heating a home as well as the move towards natural living increases, the demand for these professionals has grown. They specialize in the construction of glassed in porches that are artistic in design as well as functional.

Swimming Pool/Spa Contactors – Although their title seems simple enough, there is nothing simple about properly installing a pool or a spa. In a new installation it is their job to both design and install the entire pool or spa and maintenance systems. They also are called in on many occasions to repair or replace old pools and spas.

Tile Contractors – A highly sought after professional who supplies and installs granite, marble and tile in various parts of a building. While at a glance this job may seem simple enough that anyone can do it, however a professionally installed job takes a lot of planning even before the first piece is laid. When in doubt, always go with a professional. You’ll be glad you did.

Waterproofing & Weather-Stripping Contractor – In any kind of new construction water can be a major foe. These specialists install waterproofing membranes and weather-strips around doors and windows to make sure nature’s elements stay outside where they belong. This professional should not be overlooked if it is your long term purpose to save on heating and cooling bills.

Window Contractor – Sooner or later this professional will be receiving your call. Their installation expertise not only helps to make your buildings more appealing to the eye but, with the right choice of windows, can be energy-efficient enough to pay for the cost of the installation many times over.

As we continue to evolve in building our structures, some of these professionals may be replaced by others, but in the world of contractors, there will always be a need for building professionals.

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