After living in a house for any period of time, there will probably be a few things you’d like to change. Juiced up on home improvement shows and home remodeling YouTube tutorials, you may feel up to the task of taking on a remodel project yourself. Before you swing a sledgehammer and make your living room “open concept” the hard way, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before undertaking a DIY home remodeling project.
1. Do you know what the heck you’re doing?
There’s a reason why this is the first question you should be asking yourself — this is your house we’re talking about. If you’re already skilled in construction-related tasks, this may be the easiest question to answer. If you’ve never swung a hammer in your life, no number of YouTube videos will properly prepare you for a home model of any significance. Gain some experience with smaller projects before attempting to reshape the look of your home. Just because you can paint a nursery doesn’t mean you should be bringing down a wall.
2. Are you ready for some mess?
There is a nice idea that you can live in your home while you’re remodeling it. While this is true, the area being remodeled will not be livable space. Also, wherever you are renovating will be a disaster zone of debris, material scraps, and a variety of other substance depending on what you’re doing. Just plan on making a huge mess and likely renting a dumpster.
3. How much money do you think this will save?
Many take on a DIY remodel project in order to save some money. While this seems right in theory, it rarely pans out this way on paper for the average homeowner. Construction experts typically charge for their expertise, not just for their time and muscle. If you feel that you could do the same work in the same amount of time, a DIY remodel may actually save you money. If not, it will likely be “cheaper” for you in terms of time and money to have a professional take on the job. They will likely do a better job and in less time than you can.
4. How complex is this project?
Some remodeling projects are totally feasible for the inexperienced. Painting walls, changing out kitchen or bathroom hardware, changing out shower heads — virtually any homeowner can accomplish these tasks. However, tasks involving electrical, plumbing, ventilation, load-bearing walls, masonry, built-in furniture — these should probably be handled by a professional.
5. Is it even legal for you to do this?
It sounds funny because it’s your house, but there are actually permits involved with some extensive remodeling jobs. It seems like your worst punishment for remodeling should be whatever expensive mess you make, but the consequences could be even more severe. Check to see what paperwork is required.
6. Is this a one-person job or will you need help?
Before you take on any advanced DIY project, even if you’re fairly handy, determine if you will need any help. When handling larger materials or making adjustments in a tight spot, you may need a second set of hands or an extra back. If this is the case, do you know someone willing to work for pizza and beer? If not, how much will it cost to hire someone? Could a professional crew do it for the same price in less time?
We’re not saying that home remodeling projects are best left to the professionals, but simply that you shouldn’t overestimate your own abilities. Even though some TV shows can make it look easy, know that pretty much everything you see on TV is fake. Carefully plan out every phase of your DIY home remodel, counting every hour, every cost, and every mess. Make sure you’re not actually getting in over your head.
In order to avoid home remodel projects yourself, let the home construction professionals at Perry Hood Properties build your dream home. We’ll build it just how you want it on the first go!