Do it yourself, or hire it out?

So you have a remodeling project in mind but you aren't sure if you want to do it yourself, or hire it out. Maybe you have made a choice, but could still be swayed. It's a tricky subject in this day and age and does require more than just a passing thought.

There are perhaps countless things that a homeowner can do to their own home with little or no experience, and the advice of a friend or book on the matter. Even some blogs offer the informed web surfer step by step instructions on just about anything you could think of doing (some better than others).

It should be considered though, that there are few things a homeowner can do as well or as fast as a good contractor. Many homeowners begin a project with the belief that it will look as good when completed as it would had a professional done the work. Some can actually pull it off, but most end up with a job that looks as if it was done by an amateur.

There is nothing wrong with an amateur doing a job as long as it looks good in the end, but the whole purpose of doing a remodel is to make your place look better, right? Perhaps even to increase the value (if that's possible in this economy). Consider this though, a poorly done remodel job will most likely decrease the value of your home and can even make it harder to sell.

As a contractor and a homeowner I have walked away from purchasing homes in ideal locations because of poorly crafted work to the residences. I knew that I would have had to un-do what had been done, and re-do the work to trade standards. This can work for a purchaser if the property is priced enough below market value to make it worth the effort, but in most cases the homeowners don't realize they have actually adversely affected the value of the property.

There are other options though for those who enjoy doing the work, or maybe just want or need to save some money. First, consider carefully and realistically what parts of the job you are capable of doing yourself. Perhaps you have a friend or two that is (are) verifiably proficient in areas you may be lacking? Don't be afraid to take advantage of those opportunities if you can.

Understand the need though, and budget for skilled and licensed craftsmen to fill in the gaps of the things you aren't proficient at doing yourself. In a thorough bathroom remodel you may need the skills of a carpenter, electrician, plumber, drywall/tape texture person, painter, glazier, tile installer, wall paper hanger and even a designer. That's a lot of hats for one inexperienced homeowner to put on and expect to do well at them all.

Tread lightly here, use your best discretion and remember, your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Treat it well, and it should return the favor.

Now if you will excuse me; my dentist has agreed to loan me his tools so I can fill a cavity that has been bugging me for some time!

Good luck with your projects, Rob