Renovating your home or office in Utah can be an exciting, yet decidedly daunting task. From figuring out a realistic budget to choosing the right materials, there's typically a lot more to consider than meets the eager DIY eye.
Most people would agree that there’s something satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into a DIY project. Not only can it save some cash, but it can result in a satisfying sense of accomplishment - so long as nothing goes too awry. However, a critical aspect when considering DIY projects is to carefully consider which jobs you can do yourself and which ones might be best left to the pros.
How to Know When to Call in the Pros
There are a variety of reno tasks that may fall into the gray zone when it comes to the absolute necessity for an expert, while for others, taking a DIY approach is blatantly foolhardy. Here are some key considerations when procrastinating over whether it’s time to hang up your hammer and get the experts in:
Don’t Play Jenga With Your Home
If your renovation project involves making any structural changes, it's time to get the professionals in. Even seemingly small changes can have a massive impact on your home's safety and stability. A professional contractor and/or architect will properly assess the situation and make sure the changes made are structurally sound.
Shocking Risks
According to Electrical Safety First, about 200 people die each year from electrocution at home. While the majority are caused by faulty appliances, electrical equipment, such as wiring, cords, and lighting, contribute to over 32,000 house fires annually. Electrical safety is no joke - don’t risk it; call in the experts.
Plumbing Perils
Plumbing work can also be a dangerous undertaking if not done correctly, especially when working with gas lines or water heaters. You can also end up costing yourself far more in rectifying water damage that could have been avoided by paying a professional plumber; you can tackle a leaky tap here or there if you must, but anything more involved calls for the pros.
Boss-Level Security
Some security systems are designed for easy installation, while others range from somewhat complicated to downright baffling. Security is another area that demands expertise, especially if the system is complex or you’re looking to protect a large property or business. Mounting the odd motion sensor light or simple camera is one thing, but other than that, consider calling in home or commercial camera installation experts to ensure optimal protection.
Don’t Be a Hazmat Hero
When dealing with hazardous materials, it’s never worth the health risks to take a slack approach. From mold or lead-based paint to asbestos and more, the pros have the right tools and training to remove them safely.
Deadline Disasters
Do you have a deadline for your renovation project? If so, it's best to bring in a professional to help you meet your deadline. Professionals have experience working efficiently to deadlines and can often complete projects faster, and without compromising on quality along the way.
Don’t let DIY Permits and Codes Land You in Hot Water
Depending on your renovation project, it may be necessary to obtain permits from your local government. This can be a complicated process, and bringing in a professional who knows the ins and outs of the system can make it far less complicated. Professionals of all renovation disciplines are also paid to ensure that your renovation project meets all relevant building codes and regulations - keeping things uber-safe and helping to avoid nasty penalties down the track.
Diamonds Are Forever, but So Is Poor Installation
If your renovation project is a little lavish and involves expensive materials, such as marble or hardwood floors, ensuring they are handled by experts is an extra cost worth incurring. Experience working with such materials can make a huge difference when it comes to quality installation that will last for years to come.
Superior Experience for Marble-ous Results
It's important to be honest with yourself about your level of experience, especially if it's your first reno-rodeo. While some projects may seem straightforward enough, they can quickly become a complicated mess if you don't know what you're doing.
DI-Why Take the Risk?
Renovation projects can be dangerous, especially if you're not trained in the relevant field of expertise. If the task at hand involves any potential safety hazards, leave it to the experts. They will know how to properly assess the situation and take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety.
Pennywise or Pound Foolish?
While it may seem counterintuitive, bringing in a professional can actually save you money in the long run. Professionals have experience working efficiently, as well as access to specialty tools and equipment, saving you money on rentals or purchases and ensuring a fast, quality job (the first time around).
The Expert Touch
If you want your renovation project to look professional and polished, you generally need for fork out for the expert touch. They will have experience working with different materials and many unexpected intricacies involved in the process that can make or break the quality of the finished product.
Piece of Cake for the Pro - Peace of Mind for You
Finally, bringing in a professional can give you much-needed peace of mind during the stress and chaos of renovating; having someone around who knows what they're doing can make the process far more rewarding overall. You can rest easy knowing that your project is in good hands and will be completed to your satisfaction.
The bottom line
Renovating can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to know your limits to avoid disaster. Sure, DIY projects can be fun and cost-effective, but some maintenance or renovation tasks require an expert approach and there's no (sensibly) getting around it. Always prioritize safety and don't hesitate to call in a pro when needed.
