Home Renovations: Do It Yourself (DIY) or Hire a Professional?
Parts adapted from Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Summer is almost here and you have that burning desire to refresh, repair, update or adapt your home?! Many of us like to change things up every 3-5 years.
Many homeowners enjoy the do-it-yourself renovation and repair projects. It is a great way to save money while getting some activity and adding value to your home.
Before starting your project, consider the following:
Have you clearly defined the scope of your project? Projects frequently end up more complex than initially apparent. Have you identified all or are you ready for surprises?
Do you have the necessary skills? Consider your own skills and abilities carefully. While many of today’s home improvement products are designed to make it easy for do-it-yourselfers, other projects will require specialized skills or create frustration you are not ready for.
Do you need a building permit? Typically, renovation that change the structure of your home requires a building permit issued by your municipality. This also means inspections of the work at the appropriate times to ensure the work meets the local building codes. Keep in mind that future buyers likely want to see the permits to verify compliance.
Do you need licenced trade permits? Plumbing, electrical, gas repairs and numerous other modifications and installations typically require licensed trades and contractors by law, depending on your area regulations, which may change between municipalities. Codes change from time to time and licenced trades keep their qualifications up to date.
Think ahead – will your insurance honour your claim as a result of your DIY work? We live in a world of shifting blame. If something goes wrong (eg. plumbing modification), will your insurance help?
Do you have the necessary tools and equipment? Savings of your hard work may quickly fade if you must buy specialty tools. Renting is always an option, but costs can also add up quickly if you’re doing the work in your spare time. Or will you invest extra hours instead of using these speciality tools?
Do you have the time? Renovation and repair projects can take a lot of your time. Are you truly ready for this commitment? Is your family ready for it? If it drags on, are you prepared to continue for as long as required to complete? Most contractors will charge a premium to complete work previously started by a weekend warrior.
Put safety first. Did you consider the risks for doing the work yourself? Are you prepared for work at height like roofing or other exterior improvements? Do you have the safety gear to prevent falls? Are you aware of what it takes to check for hazardous substances like asbestos, lead or mould? Some laws dictate handling requirements. Don’t risk your health, and that of your family, by doing this work on your own.
By Carla Berezowski,
Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
