Home renovation lists cost as one of the major considerations. In such cases, some homeowners would weigh in on doing a do-it-your (DIY) own home renovation or hire a residential contractor.
Let’s have a look at the advantages of opting for a DIY or hiring a residential contractor to do your renovation.
What exactly is a DIY? DIY is defined as an activity of decorating or repairing your home by yourself rather than contracting someone to do it. The Internet offers a myriad of suggestions on DIY projects from simple to complex. A DIY person may not necessarily have the skill to handle a home renovation project. Painting a wall is something most able person can carry out. However, if the project involves plumbing or electricity, then it’s best to have a professional work on it. In short, when doing a DIY, think about time, level of difficulty, and safety.
A residential contractor is a professional who builds and renovates homes or manages such projects from beginning to end. They are typically responsible for securing permits, overseeing labor, and hires construction specialists such as electricians and plumbers. It is the responsibility of the residential contractors to inspect the project from time to time for progress or any issues that may arise and must be remedied. In Orange County, Greater Pacific Construction is a premier residential contractor with numerous successful home builds and renovations.
Let us list down what must be considered between DIY versus hiring professional residential contractor.
DIY
- Time. A DIY home renovation will definitely cost you hours more than cash itself. So if you only have the weekends to install wood flooring yourself, how much time would it take you to complete it?
- Skill. Watching a video on how to change flooring is different from the actual application. Can you align the hardwood floor? No matter how expensive your flooring materials are, it will look cheap if it’s poorly done.
- Cost and Savings. When you have estimated your potential savings from DIY renovation and the time involved, just divide the savings over the time and that’s potentially your cost savings for each hour of work. This is often overlooked by DIYers thinking that they get to save on labor costs when they don’t hire professionals. Would you be willing to work for that rate (especially if you miss out on work because of your project)?
- Safety. Is it safe for you to carry out a renovation on your own? Ask yourself what the worst thing that could happen to you if you do the job. If it could potentially harm you because you’re not skilled enough or the work is too dangerous for you, then don’t.
- Home value. Will it damage your home or potentially lower the value of your property? Think about that bathroom renovation. Will you be able to properly install bathroom fixtures? An ill-fitting fixture could result to years of weakening if unnoticed and a leak could damage your wall. Some buyers would want to know renovations or repairs done on the property and would factor the work of a licensed general contractor versus a DIY.
Residential Contractor
- Cash. Money is the biggest investment when hiring a residential contractor. It is always best to compare your costs by trying to ask at least two contractors for estimates. Consider the contractor’s reputation, past projects, and recommendations when deciding to get one. Do your homework by checking their ratings, licenses, and up-to-date insurances. Sometimes, more than the face value of money, it’s the quality of work that makes it worth your cash.
- Type of project. How complex is your home renovation? Is it just a room or the whole house? Some projects would also need special permits to carry out. A contractor would be able to take care of needed permits prior to starting the project. The bigger the renovation requirements, the more valid reason why hiring a professional matters.
- Quality of work. When working with a reputable contractor, home renovation projects are thoroughly executed and supervised. A skilled professional is assigned in different aspects such as plumbing, electricity, ceramic tile or hardwood flooring fitting, HVAC, and others. Consumers who hire professionals do so because the completed projects end up having better functionality or livability.
When faced with the desire to renovate your home, always consider your options. Think about materials cost, length of time to complete, skill sets needed. Be honest with yourself if you really can do a DIY project thinking you save but not realizing that mistakes will cost.
A general contractor for home remodeling or renovation is ready to look into your desire to make necessary improvements to your property. Greater Pacific Construction-Residential in Orange County is of great reputation and experienced general contractors. Currently, they have quite impressive portfolio of Home Renovation and Home Remodeling projects completed successfully and to the utmost satisfaction of their clients in Orange County.
