Do it yourself or hire a professional contractor?
You spend a lot of time in your home, so you might as well enjoy it.
If you feel your current decor is outdated or dysfunctional, a face-lift can give it a new life. But if it needs major cosmetic surgery, you might want to hire a professional remodeler.
Cosmetic treatment of major surgery?
Not everyone is a handyman. Many of us think we are, many of us know we’re not, and still many more know what they’re doing but shouldn’t mess with plumbing or electricity for safety reasons. Depending on the type of remodel, you may save money if you can handle the work or, if the work isn’t done properly, you may need to call a professional in. Consider these ideas before you do anything.
Professional look vs. cheap look
If you can manage all the work yourself, can you manage to make it look professional? We all have been in bathrooms where the tiles are cut funny, the toilet isn’t level, or some other noticeable oddity catches our attention. Ask yourself if you can live with a job that looks less than professional.
Living with the remodel
If you have ever done a project yourself before, you know that your eyes (and your frustration) always return to the places where you made a mistake or places where you are unsatisfied.
This can bother many people, and if you are one of those who can’t stand to look at your failures every day or can’t stand imperfections, then you need to consider this before deciding to do the project on your own.
Product comparison and good deals
Remodelers know many people in their industry. From people who sell from fixtures to tubs, tile and sinks, they have been in this business long enough that they know who has the best stuff at the best prices, and who is willing to cut them a deal. As a homeowner and someone not in the industry, you will not be privy to these deals or this information, and you may be paying more just for the material than what the contractor is charging.
Doing your own home remodeling can put a pretty big stress on you and the family. Don’t forget that your time is valuable. A remodel can mean you won’t have as much time to do the things you love as sometimes remodeling can take over your life, and never seem to be finished.
When choosing a professional remodeler for your project, it is a good idea to look for someone who is a member of a professional association such as the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA). This means your contractor belongs to an association that upholds a code of ethics and supports continuing education. Look for someone who has experience in the type of project you are interested in and call references.
Keep in mind that a professional remodeler will also use professional subcontractors for electrical and plumbing work.
Obviously, you want a safe electrical installation. You also don’t want a plumbing mess to handle, especially water damage to your newly renovated home. This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. To contact the author directly email dbawden@legaleaglecontractors.com. For more information on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.