Are you considering a home improvement project this year? This post provides a brief guide on when you should DIY (do it yourself) and when it's best to hire a professional. We're also including a few tips on how to save money on a home renovation. Whatever you decide, you'll be well-equipped to transform and update your living space!

 

Home Improvements: DIY or Hire a Pro?

 

Whether you want to save money with a do-it-yourself approach or save time by hiring a professional, use this guide to help you decide!

When To Do it Yourself

You're Willing to Research
Before you start, take the time to research the project. If you want to paint your cabinets, for example, watch tutorial videos, read about paint options or ask a store associate for advice.

The Project Isn't Complex
Simple projects are the best ones to tackle yourself. If you understand the directions and are confident you can execute them, doing it yourself can save you a significant amount of money.

You Have the Time
Consider the free time you have to complete the task. If you're busy with work and other obligations, you risk rushing through the project and making costly mistakes.

 

When To Hire a Pro

There's a Risk of Serious Damage
Avoid DIY jobs that could cause series damage to yourself or your home. Examples include a plumbing leak inside a wall that causes water damage or faulty electrical work that overloads a circuit or causes a fire. 

You Don't Have the Necessary Tools
DIYers often get into projects and realize they forgot to budget for the cost of buying or renting tools to complete the task. A pro, on the other hand, already has quality tools to get the job done. 

Your Project Could Require a Permit
Some renovation jobs require a permit, so make sure to find out the local rules on what you can and can't do. 

 

Reducing the Cost

Set a Budget
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when renovating is not setting a budget. By having a budget in place before you start, you'll be less likely to spend more than you intended.

Buy it Yourself
If you can't save money through DIY, you can try the BIY (buy-it-yourself) approach instead. By purchasing all the necessary products and then hiring a pro to install them, you can save up to 20% in costs.

Wait for a Sale
If you're not under a strict time constraint, wait until a big holiday sale to get the materials you need, instead of buying on a typical weekend, 

 

If you want to hire a service professional, remember, the LRG team has an extensive network of contractors, landscapers, painters, etc. Give us a call at 781-635-9022 if you need a recommendation.