Building and Construction: Should You DIY?
Sometimes the stakes are low, and even if you completely mess up, the experience is a fun one. But when it comes to building, construction and home improvement, doing something incorrectly can not only be costly and frustrating, but also potentially dangerous.
That’s not to say that all DIY is bad. There are plenty of perks to doing-it-yourself. You can save labor costs, for starters. You can also make quick fixes or improvements without having to disrupt your busy life by fitting in a visit from a handyman into your schedule. There’s also the satisfaction of learning something new and knowing that you’ve put a lot of hard work and effort into your home.
However, there are definitely some circumstances in which it’s better to just let the pros do their job. Here’s a quick guide!
Do You Have the Necessary Tools on Hand?
As we have mentioned, one of the advantages of DIY is being able to save money. But don’t assume that all DIY jobs will turn out less expensive than hiring a pro.
Think about it this way: if you have to buy hundreds of dollars’ worth of equipment just to do one job, is it worth it? Perhaps it actually is worth it, if you honestly plan to reuse the tools enough to have them pay for themselves. But some tools and machinery are incredibly job-specific. Why use it once and then have it sit around collecting dust and taking up space?
Renting equipment can be a good middle ground. You won’t break the bank, you can collect the tools you need to do the job right, and you don’t have to worry about finding storage space for bulky machines.
If You Do It Wrong, Are You Endangering Your Life?
Electrical projects leap to mind here. If you do not have the proper training to keep yourself safe when working with electric wires, it’s best to walk away and pick up the phone! You certainly do not want to electrocute yourself.
But also keep in mind safety when doing other projects, like tree trimming. Yes, it’s impossible to envelope yourself in bubble wrap and stay completely safe every day of your life, but some decisions are simply unwise. If there’s obvious potential for a fatal accident, don’t DIY.
Will It Be Tremendously Expensive to Fix Your Mistakes?
Sometimes it is more expensive to fix an error than it is to have it done correctly and professionally in the first place.
For example, concrete: you could install a concrete sidewalk or patio on your own, but let’s say that you did not properly prepare the ground underneath, nor cure the concrete correctly. As a result, the concrete is chipped, flaky, cracked and uneven, despite being brand-new. The cost of ripping up all the concrete and hauling it away might not be worth it in the end.
Plumbing is another area in which mistakes can sometimes turn into an expensive same-day appointment with a professional.
Can You Stick to a Timeline?
If you start a project, can you finish it? A large construction project that sits for weeks or months can become a source of stress and frustration as you struggle to find the time to be your own part-time contractor. One of the benefits of turn-key construction teams is that they can get a project done start to finish … otherwise their paycheck is on the line!
There’s no shame in hiring a professional. Often it is the most cost- and time-effective way to get things done. And getting things done is ultimately all that matters!
