Home Projects and Repairs: To DIY or Not

Today’s homeowners are choosing more and more to DIY home projects and repairs themselves. When it comes to DIY at home, deciding whether the task is more suitable for a professional or is something attainable on your own can be hard.

Keep certain personal qualities and factors in mind. What is your skill set for the job? How much time are you willing to put in? Will doing it yourself save you money?

Painting

Painting your home is the perfect DIY task for beginners. I should know. My husband and I just painted the entire interior of our house to get it ready to sell. With patience and planning, you can easily give your home some life. It's a project that requires little skill so we even had our nieces help us.

Supplies are easily available and vary in price, making it easy to fit this DIY project into your personal budget. Prepping the room, covering windows, and protecting floors and furniture will take up the most time with this project. If you’re nervous, start small with a single room or accent wall until you get the hang of the technique.

Home Maintenance

Maintaining a home is a job in itself, and while plenty of help is out there, several jobs are easily doable on your own.

Preventive maintenance is one of the easiest ways to start. Changing batteries in smoke detectors and switching out light bulbs and air filters are essential to a homeowner's routine. Easily prevent heating and cooling problems by keeping your HVAC unit free from debris or shrubbery. Simple tasks such as power washing and replacing weatherstripping can help build your skill level.

Less novice projects such as replacing faucets, light fixtures, or ceiling fans may take a little more research and skill, but you can ultimately do them yourself.

Considering landscaping or installing a pool? Consult the professionals. These jobs will need skills and tools that could be dangerous for DIY.

Flooring

While this project can definitely be done yourself, it requires skill and patience. On the other hand, hiring a professional to do the labor can get expensive.

What material would you like to use? Laminate and vinyl flooring may be easier to work with for DIY compared to tile and hardwood.

Consider the size and cost of your project. If you’re focusing only on a small area, tackling it alone may be the best option to gain experience and save cost. Do your research: A great amount of flooring is created especially for DIY installation.

When to Hire a Professional

Certain repairs require trained professionals no matter what your skill level is. Know when you shouldn't attempt something yourself.

For your safety, hazardous waste and lead paint removal should always be handled by trained professionals, as well as removal of heavy objects such as trees or walls. Be sure that trained technicians handle all major plumbing, HVAC system, and electrical issues.

Although DIY projects at home range from simple to complicated, completing one is extremely gratifying. When you need to choose the right DIY project for your home, don’t be afraid to try something new. Moving beyond your comfort zone is how you gain the experience you need to become your own professional.