Things to consider before starting your next home project
ect, I urge you to consider all the issues you may have to deal with. It might be better to bring in the professionals.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, homeowner do-it-yourself projects accounted for 37 percent of all home remodeling projects performed nationwide from 20102011. While DIY projects look manageable at first glance, there are many points to consider when determining the “real” cost generated on a project.
“Remodeling can be complex and oftentimes full of surprises, even for experts lik eou r members,” said Jim Zengel, local remodeler and owner of Zengel Group, and past president of the Home Builders Association of Dayton and the Ohio Home Builders Association. “DIY projects should be rewarding and fun, but if your DIY can’t be completed in the planned price range or your safety is at risk, leave the work in the hands of professional remodelers.”
How can you decide to handle a DIY task yourself or hire a professional? Consider these “Murphy’s Law” type observations about home improvement projects.
Despite your best efforts to budget and estimate the project, tasks will typically take more time and money than even your projected worst-case scenario. There’s no way to budget for this, unfortunately, and it is a frustration when it happens.
Many of the products available to the average do-it-yourselfer, although designated by a name brand, are not always the same quality available to contractors. It is also important to verify the terms of the product warranty as many warranties become void by improper installation.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, your job will go a little faster. If budget is your bigger concern, you can eliminate shortcuts that often cos tmore money. A good example is using paint and primer in one, which can reduce your painting time by half, but will cost more than regular paint. You cansavetime–oryoucan save money. But not both in most cases.
You know your nearest and dearest better than anyone. If that buddy who is always busy when you need assistance is counted among your friends, you might be tackling a project solo or with very minimal help.
Even with others pitchingin,makesurethatthey know what they are doing. Without the proper training and preparation, many have landed in the emergency room. Unfamiliarity with new tools and techniqu escanl ead to lifethreatening accidents. A good rule of thumb for any homeowner is to avoid projects that require alic ense or structural changes to walls, roofs and floors.
Unless you live in a brand-new home, there were prior homeowners. If they took on a DIY task, there is a high probability that they did it wrong. Maybe they tossed layer after layer of cheap vinyl tile on the bedroom floor, and then put carpeting overallofit.Now,you must peel up four layers of flooring depicting the style of bygone eras to replace the subfloor, which rotted due to leaky pipes behind the wall. And, oh yeah, about that leak—the plumbing wasn’t soldered correctly, and they used
the wrong pipes.
The end result may not always be what you expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s not functional and stylish!
With all these obstacles in our path, it’s a wonder any home renova- tions ever get completed. Don’t worry if the end result doesn’t look exactly like you or your significant other envisioned. If you like it, just go with the flow. You can always live with it a while and then decide to change it again. One good thing about home improvements is the more you do, the more you learn, and the faster the next project goes.
In the end a professional may cost a little more up front, but chancesareim p rovedthat the work will be done correctly and on time. Troubleshooting unexpected issues often takes more time and expertise than origina llyplann ed. Hiring a professional will ensure that you have a contract with a completion date and that the remodeler will bring in whatever help is necessary to get the job finished on time.
The Home Builders Association of Dayton has acom p letelistofmembers who specialize in remodeling on its “Find a Member” page. To find a professional, visit www. HBADayton.com.