The Difference Between DIY and Hiring a Contractor…
In the society that we live in today, we’re encouraged to be independent. It’s a fulfilling feeling to be able to tackle an exterior home improvement project that you never have before. You’re not only saving money but teaching yourself a new skill. We commend anyone with the drive to want to educate themselves further. Although there are some pros and cons to doing a project by yourself. Before you get started, you should do some research. Try to figure out what types of projects a beginner can typically handle, and what projects are done the best when handled by a professional. Your safety is the #1 priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Plan your project.
It’s important to educate yourself on what needs to be done, approximately how long it will take, how difficult it will be, and, most importantly, how much it’s going to cost you. For some homeowners, it’s worth more to have a professional to think strategically about the overall project. Especially if the project is something that you need to be done correctly in a timely manner. A perfect example that comes to mind is your siding.
When it comes to replacing the siding on your home, you want any issues fixed immediately and correctly. If there’s an issue with the siding in your home, it may leave your foundation exposed. Then your family is more at risk for disasters such as flooding when a storm hits your home. So, you want to prepare yourself and have a plan mapped out. Another important reason why we recommend getting a second opinion is that a professional will alert you to any urgent fixes needed. They’ll be able to tell you what needs to be fixed first and how critical it is.
Consider the risks.
You need to think about every risk that you’re taking by choosing to do a project by yourself. If it’s one that involves climbing to the roof, make sure that you’re using the correct ladder and taking every safety precaution. These types of projects can be not only damaging to your home but also dangerous and life-threatening if not done correctly. If it requires a permit, that should be a sign to yourself that it’s not safe to be done on your own. The reason such documents exist is to guarantee that a job was done correctly and in the safest manner.
Time vs. cost.
Most homeowners will want to do something themselves to save on the cost. You have to ask yourself, “how much am I truly saving?” It never hurts to have someone come out and give you a quote. They may also give you beneficial advice. It’s perfectly alright to do your research and ask questions. Any reputable contractor should have no issue answering your questions. Keep in mind the possible risks that you’re taking by doing a project by yourself. Not to mention the time that you will spend attempting to educate yourself without the proper teacher.
There’s a reason why the good contractors are licensed. They dedicated the time needed to learn the skill set necessary to fix your home and keep it safe. They’re on your side. In these types of situations, the trust has to go both ways. Like I mentioned earlier, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
You can always reach us if you need any help or need some advice. Thanks for reading!
- New Look Team
For any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at jwest@newlookroofs.com, we hope you have a great day and thanks for reading!
- Julian