Buying a home entails a great deal of responsibilities. You must maintain your property in good condition not just to keep it comfortable, but also to ensure that your investment retains its worth. However, you may increase the value of your property by making renovations such as installing a new kitchen or adding new building.
Regardless of the cause, you may find yourself wondering, “Should I hire a contractor or do it myself?” when you require repairs on your property.
The truth is that when it comes to DIY vs. contractor, it is nearly always preferable to call a professional contractor rather than attempting construction work on your own. The following are five reasons why:
1. Construction work is time consuming.
Time is money regardless of how you look at it. You work diligently throughout the week in order to enjoy your weekends and vacations. When you undertake a home renovation job on your own, you avoid paying for a contractor’s work — but at the expense of your own free time. If you’re a busy professional who looks forward to weekends, it’s critical to remember that almost every construction project takes longer than anticipated. And once you start, you must finish if you wish to continue enjoying your property. By engaging a contractor, you increase your chances of completing the task fast.
2. A contractor has access to personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Numerous building jobs require more than one pair of hands. Additionally, you frequently want specialized tools – not to mention the necessary construction materials. A professional contractor will have a team of qualified personnel available to assist as needed, in addition to the necessary tools and equipment. Additionally, because contractors purchase supplies wholesale, they are more likely to locate a wider variety of options and lower pricing than a private homeowner.
3. A contractor possesses greater knowledge and skill.
Construction is not a task that should be taken lightly. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or adding a bedroom, it’s vital to learn the ins and outs of house construction in order to protect the existing structure’s integrity and ensure that any new construction meets code. In comparison, if you’re a weekend do-it-yourself warrior, your odds of possessing the necessary knowledge and competence are slim. And if construction work is not up to code, it is declared unsafe, and you will almost certainly be required to have it replaced if a building inspector discovers it.
4. A contractor is responsible for obtaining licenses and permits.
Certain types of repair, such as plumbing and electrical, require the assistance of licensed professionals. Additionally, many cities demand permits for specific types of development – even if it is within the confines of your own home. Knowing precisely which permits you require and when you must apply for them in order to begin your project on time is best left to the specialists. Additionally, keep in mind that without a license carries a hefty charge.
5. A contractor is required to issue a warranty.
When you perform home modifications on your own, you are not covered by a warranty. This implies that if the work is not done properly, you will have no recourse – and your time and money will be wasted. To compound problems, a substandard building job may potentially result in harm to your house. In other words, the cost of getting something wrong the first time might be substantial. One of the advantages of employing a contractor is that he or she provides a guarantee, which indicates that if something is not up to par, the contractor is responsible for repairing it.
In conclusion, there are just a few circumstances in which it makes sense to perform house modifications on your own. Certainly, if you prefer doing things yourself, have access to the necessary tools and supplies, and are capable of completing everything perfectly, DIY may be an alternative. However, even then, you risk running into license complications – not to mention the lack of a warranty for your work.
Therefore, it is preferable to choose a trained, experienced, and knowledgeable contractor who has access to a team of professionals and can obtain the necessary materials at a reasonable cost. This way, you can have peace of mind that the work will be done correctly the first time — and that you will be covered by the contractor’s warranty if anything goes wrong.
If you require any work on your home, including any home renovations, contact the Stone Creek Building team now. We’re always delighted to speak with you about your home improvement project and provide a no-obligation price. Contact us online or by phone at 503-496-7612.
