It can be quite a decision when making home renovations whether you should make it a DIY job or hire a general contractor. All home improvement projects require research before making your decision if you want to avoid DIY’s and hire an independent contractor.

Luckily enough here are a few reasons why you should consider DIY projects and a few reasons why you should consider hiring a pro.

When to do a DIY Home Project 

Taking on a home project yourself is a great way to save money, but if you do not know what you are doing then this could actually end up costing you in the long run. There are no real requirements for completing your own home renovation project as long as you know what you are doing. The rule of thumb is, if you are not allowed to do the work in someone else's home then you should not be doing this work in your own home. When completing a DIY there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Time

If the project is a shorter one such as building some shelves for storage, then save the money and do the job yourself. If you have time restrictions due to work and other extracurriculars then it would be best to call a pro to complete the job for you. 

Budget

Labor for any job whether it be fixing a car, installing a deck, or cutting your lawn is normally the most costly portion of the bill. DIY projects help save money as you can determine what tools are needed as well as materials for the project. It is suggested that if you are unsure of the exact price ask for quotes from multiple contractors, and also calculate how much it would cost you to do it yourself before beginning. 

Skill Level

DIY projects are meant to be easy fixes, such as building a cabinet, repairing blinds, or painting the interior of a home. If it is a project that requires specialty tools or it poses a risk of harm then it is best to leave it to the professionals. 

You Have the Right Tools

If you have built up an extensive tool collection over the years then you are more than capable of taking on a DIY project yourself. Many DIY projects require different types of tools to use in order to make the job work so make sure that you have a complete array of tools ready to use. 

When to Hire for a Home Renovation Project

A lot of other home renovation projects require a skilled trades professional to complete the job as it is too risky. To hire a professional you need to outline what exactly needs to be fixed, ask for a quote and then sign a contract to perform the work before beginning. 

Time

If you do not have the time and want the project done quickly, then it is best to call a professional. It will be more costly but the job will be efficient and the project will be completed faster. 

Cost

Hiring a laborer will cost more, but laborers do receive discounts on purchasing materials. If you are able to afford the cost of a professional you should do it. As the job will be of quality and there will be less risk of having to redo the job at a later date. 

Regulations

In certain situations there are regulations that need to be followed for completing a home renovation. If you do not have these building permits to complete the task then it is required that a professional be hired. 

There are certain tasks that you do not want to undertake as a DIY if you do not have the skill set to complete the job. These include roofing, siding, drywalling, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and any work on the structure stability of the home. Many of these tasks require someone with prior experience in the field to complete because they have the specialty tools, and have studied this type of work before starting their careers. Many of these jobs are also not as easy as searching up a YouTube video to look for the answer on how to fix it. 

To Hire or Not to Hire

Ultimately it is important to consider both options when choosing what to do with a home renovation. If the job is simple enough and you are comfortable with doing it then save on money and complete the job yourself. If there are restrictions with time, regulations, or safety then it is best to call a professional to do the job for you.