The idea of getting a brand new home without having to move sounds ideal, doesn’t it? It seems like the perfect plan—you’ll complete each part of your home by yourself to save some money. While it might seem foolproof, taking on a home improvement project by yourself, especially one involving your entire home, may not be such a good idea. There are a number of factors that go into remodeling your house that only a professional will know how to handle.
Before deciding to jump into a major project, you should know what not to DIY and what the risks can be if you do. After examining the pros and cons of a project of this scale, you may find that hiring a professional contractor may just be the right decision for you and your family.
Risks Involved with DIY Home Remodel
When you aren’t a professional, and you try to tackle a home improvement project on your own, you are putting yourself, your family, and your home at a certain level of risk. Without the essential knowledge and skill sets of an electrician, plumber, and builder, things can go south quickly, potentially leading to more expenses in the long run. So, what risks are actually involved in trying to DIY your home remodel?
Injury
One major risk of attempting to remodel your home yourself is personal injury. If you decide you need to rewire your living room or demolish your entire kitchen, for example, you could risk electrocution or other physical harm. In contrast, professional renovators are experts at what they do and will be able to get the job done safely.
Permit Issues
If you decide to tackle the remodel yourself, you’ll also have to deal with property insurance and acquiring the right permits and licenses to build. Before you start a remodel, you’ll want to talk to your insurance agent about what can and can’t be insured during the process. In many cities and neighborhoods, you may also be required to obtain a permit for certain work. A contractor will be able to help you secure the right permissions so you can enjoy watching your home transform with less stress.
Financial Missteps
One more major risk you can run into while trying to DIY your remodel is financial trouble. While you may think DIYing will save you money in the long haul, trying to complete a major project when you don’t know exactly what you’re doing might actually cost you more down the road. If you mess up something like wiring or insulation, you might have to end up hiring someone anyway just to fix things. Ultimately, you’ll likely be better off hiring a professional contractor right from the start who can work with your budget.
Tips for Success
Home renovations are stressful enough without trying to tackle them alone. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a smoother operation and the home of your dreams.
Hire the Right Contractor
Finding the right contractor is the first step in a successful, effortless remodel. Not only will a professional be able to do all of the complex work, but he or she will be able to get it done correctly, efficiently, and within your budget. Ask around to your family and friends for recommendations and, when you’ve found a likely company, make sure to interview them and ask plenty of questions about budgeting, planning, insurance, and permits.
Create a Budget and Plan
Your contractor should be able to work with your budget, but you should also make sure that you factor in any extra expenses for potential problems that may arise throughout the remodel. Having a plan will also help keep things moving efficiently. This is especially important if you are remodeling your entire home. Work with one room at a time, unless it makes sense to do more. This way, you won’t have to be without a kitchen and a bathroom all at once!
Relax
Remodels can test your patience, so taking the time to relax during the process to help keep stress levels low. Knowing that you’ve got the right contractor can go a long way in giving you peace of mind. Plan a family vacation during your remodel or head to Grandma and Grandpa’s with the kids to get away from the chaos and mess for a while knowing that everything is being taken care of with an expert touch.
Remodel Your Home with Honey-Doers
Whether you’re remodeling your home to get ready for it to go on the market or you just want to upgrade it to fit your personal style, finding the right contractor is essential. Honey-Doers has over 20 years of experience helping Minneapolis families remodel their entire homes through high-quality and reputable work. We have the knowledge, tools, and resources to provide a safe and affordable home transformation. If you’re ready to take on a full home remodel with the help of our professional renovators, contact us today for a free estimate.
