8 questions to ask yourself before you DIY a home improvement project
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated May 23, 2022
Last updated May 23, 2022
Table of Contents
- 1. How safe is DIY, and what are the risks involved?
- 2. Which is more cost-effective: DIY or hiring a professional?
- 3. Do I have the proper tools for the project?
- 4. How much time does the project require?
- 5. Do I need a permit for this project?
- 6. Will DIY affect the overall quality of my project?
- 7. Do I have the right skills for this project?
- 8. How difficult is this project, and are the instructions easy to follow?
- Skipping DIY? Find pros on Thumbtack.
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Businesses are increasingly developing easy-to-use DIY products. Peel-and-stick tiles, drywall repair kits, cabinet transformation kits — the list is endless.
That being said, some DIY home improvement projects can be risky and even illegal at times. If you’re weighing the odds and aren’t sure if you should DIY or hire a pro, ask yourself a few questions first.
Here’s a list of critical DIY questions to ask before starting any home project.
1. How safe is DIY, and what are the risks involved?
This is one of the most important home improvement questions. If you don’t have enough know-how about a project, you could injure yourself or damage your property. Take adding skylights, for example. They need to be installed at a specific angle to prevent leaks. This job is better left to a pro, since leaking could lead to water damage and mold growth.
Here are a few other examples where DIY may be too risky:
- Roofline alterations. Slick shingles, faulty ladders and steep pitches can be hazardous, making roof work ideal for a pro.
- Tree trimming is also dangerous for someone who isn’t experienced with a chainsaw.
- Water line replacement is also better left to a pro, as a tiny leak could result in mold, which could lead to collapsing structures and floors.
- Electrical work like changing your circuit breaker panel or installing outlets can also be dangerous for someone who hasn’t been trained to work with electrical systems.
2. Which is more cost-effective: DIY or hiring a professional?
For any home project, it’s important to compare the cost of hiring a pro with the cost of doing it yourself. Request upfront cost estimates from several professionals near you, and read cost guides for your project so you understand how pricing typically works.
Then calculate the hidden costs you might run into with DIY. If you hit roadblocks — like running out of paint, improperly installing a few tiles or miscalculating the size of your roof — you may end up spending more than expected on extra materials, tools and equipment.
Remember that contractors also usually have vendor relationships. That means they can often buy materials at a discounted rate.
There are, however, a few instances where DIY could be significantly cheaper than hiring a pro. For example, you can paint your home’s interior or exterior on your own to save money on labor costs. But you might sacrifice quality if you lack painting skills.
Before you start a home project, always do the following:
- Get price estimates from multiple contractors. Ask them to explain the cost of labor and materials.
- Calculate the cost of buying all the materials yourself.
- Estimate the cost of buying or renting the tools and equipment you’ll need but don’t already have.
- Research the types of obstacles you may encounter while DIYing the project so you can plan for unexpected costs.
3. Do I have the proper tools for the project?
Before starting a DIY project, find out whether you have the right tools or equipment. Do you need to buy a new pressure washer? Or can you rent one from a nearby home improvement store?
Buying or renting tools can increase the total cost of your project. You may also need to set aside extra time to learn how to use the tools properly.
4. How much time does the project require?
Doing the labor yourself may save you money, but it may not save you time. A contractor may estimate a project’s timeline accurately because of experience, but DIYers may underestimate how long it takes to finish a project.
That said, a time estimate can be too optimistic for a beginner DIYer. Beginners may need more time to familiarize themselves with measurements, plans and DIY tutorials. It may also take several attempts to get a DIY job right, which can be time-consuming.
Read a few DIY tutorials to get a feel for how long the project will take. Also ask a few professionals how long they expect the project to take if you were to hire them. Use that information, along with the cost estimates, to decide whether you should DIY or hire a professional.
5. Do I need a permit for this project?
One of the most important DIY questions is whether certain home projects are legal in your area without a permit or without a licensed contractor doing the work. If you don’t submit a permit for some projects, you may have to pay a hefty fine.
It may be illegal to complete these home improvement jobs in your area without a permit:
- Building a deck
- Installing a fence
- Replacing your HVAC
- Replacing or installing new plumbing
- Certain types of electrical work
- Replacing your water heater
- Switching from an electric range to a gas stove
- Cutting a hole for a new window
Before you opt for DIY, check with your local municipality first to see if you need a permit. In many cases, a professional can help you navigate the permitting process.
6. Will DIY affect the overall quality of my project?
It may be tempting to take the DIY route if it means saving hundreds or thousands on costs. But think twice before sacrificing quality for savings.
An artisan, contractor or craftsperson usually excels at the most complex and intricate home projects. This doesn’t mean someone with less skill or experience can’t successfully complete a DIY project — but chances are, an expert’s touch will improve your project’s overall quality, look and feel.
Remember: a pro has probably hung doors, framed walls and installed subflooring in plenty of homes. They know what pitfalls to watch for and which techniques work best for each project. They also know which finishing touches are right for a project. For instance, if you’re looking to create a warm, rustic interior, a pro may suggest installing internal timber cladding to boost your home’s aesthetic appeal.
7. Do I have the right skills for this project?
Many DIY projects require specific skills. This is especially true for tile installation, plumbing, electrical work and drywalling. For these, you’ll need good hand-eye coordination, plus an eye for detail.
Be honest with yourself. If you don’t have the skills for a project, it’s better to leave the job to a licensed contractor. However, if you’re an experienced handyperson who’s always learning and improving their skills, DIY might be right for you.
8. How difficult is this project, and are the instructions easy to follow?
Let’s say you don’t have the skills for the project, but you’re wondering whether the steps are easy to follow. Keep in mind that what may seem simple to one person may seem overwhelmingly difficult to someone else. For example, fixing a drain, reupholstering decrepit-looking furniture or refurbishing chipped skirting boards may seem easy to longtime homeowners but daunting to first-time homeowners.
Figuring out the job’s complexity is up to you. If you’re inexperienced, decide whether the instructions are easy to understand and execute. If they aren’t straightforward and you get the sense you’ll be hitting a brick wall, it’s best to hire a contractor.
Skipping DIY? Find pros on Thumbtack.
If you’re thinking about skipping DIY, your next home improvement question will be: Where can I find the best pro for this project? The answer is simple. With Thumbtack, it’s easy to find and compare local pros.
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