When you’re starting a project and determining whether or not you need to hire a professional, there are many things to consider.
What is the scope?
Is the task at hand a relatively simple and straight forward task? Is the work pretty easy to accomplish or is it super detailed? Can you do it in a weekend or will it take several months? Simple projects are generally pretty straight forward and great for DIYers. Complex projects may require a higher level of skill or more manpower to accomplish. An example of an easy DIY project: installing a floating shelf. An example of a complex DIY project: re-tiling a shower.
What is your timeline?
Will you be able to accomplish your project in a few days or will it be an ongoing project? If it’s a fairly complex project, will you be able to dedicate evenings and weekends for an extended period of time to complete?
Do you need a skilled tradesman to accomplish any part of your project?
There are a lot of general skills that you can pick up by watching a YouTube video. There are also tasks that are more specialized that are better suited for a professional. If you need to replace anything electrical or plumbing related, it is best to hire the professional if you don’t know what you’re doing. Other things like wallpaper and painting can be achieved as a DIY, but someone who has experience will be able to produce a much better finished product. DIY design is possible with some effort and research, but a professional will know the correct application for specific products, know where to source the look you want and be able to execute it quickly and efficiently.
What is your patience level?
Will you be able to take on the project by yourself? Will you require assistance from a friend or family member? If so, could this project possibly jeopardize your relationship if the project goes south?
Do you have the right tools?
If you need a lot of expensive tools to complete a project, assess if you will be able to use those tools frequently if you do purchase them. In many cases, some jobs require a special tool that you are unlikely to use again, so it would be better to hire a professional who already has all of the equipment to do the work properly. Another question to ask yourself, if I purchase the tools, will I be able to achieve a good finish? Some things like tile setting are often tackled as a DIY project. In my experience, even if you rent a tile saw and get all the other tools that go along with it, the leveling and smoothing of tile can be an art form and I have seen a lot of bad DIY projects that look terrible because the poor install stands out like a sore thumb.
Leave a Reply