Home Projects: When to DIY vs. Hire a Contractor

How to know a DIY project from a professional project

Is it time to kick off demo day or call in the pros? 

Here in Mason City, the winters are frigid. That means most of us are stuck inside, and that means that all those little issues around the house start to stand out a little more with each passing day. By the time spring rolls around, most of us are chomping at the bit to change things up with some good old-fashioned DIY home projects.

Here’s the thing, though. Yes, there are countless home projects that are perfect for DIY. If you have the right tools, a little (or a lot of) patience, and access to YouTube, you can do all sorts of amazing things to level up your home.

That said, there are also tons of projects that require help from a professional contractor. So, before you start tearing down sheetrock and ripping up your floorboards, ask yourself (and be honest): Is this project right for me to DIY, or do I need to hire a contractor?

To know which route is right for you, here’s a quick checklist of helpful questions:

Should I DIY or Hire a Contractor?

• Do I have the skills I need to do this project?
• Could I learn the skills I need online?
• Will I be satisfied with the quality of work if I do it myself?
• If I fail, what are the consequences?
• Is the project dangerous?
• Do I need any special permits or licenses?
• Will I actually save money by doing it myself?
• How long is this going to take me?
• Am I putting my home’s property value at risk?

There’s a good chance that your answers to these questions have already helped you decide whether your next project is DIY-worthy. If you’re still not sure, or if you’re looking for other DIY projects to jump into, we’ve got you covered.

Check out the list below to learn which kinds of projects you should DIY and which ones will require professional support.

Our Favorite DIY Projects:

1. Painting & Wallpaper

Time to break out those ratty old jeans you never wear, toss on an old t-shirt, and start slapping paint on the walls. Painting the inside of your house is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to completely change the look and feel of your home. It can even raise your property value! (Exterior paint is a little trickier, so best to leave that one to the pros.)

While there are a few key steps that you’ll want to take, like using painter’s tape, protecting your floors, and sanding down imperfections, painting provides an opportunity to transform your home without requiring any special skills. Plus, since it’s reasonably affordable, you can feel free to experiment!

Do those white walls remind you of the Mason City snow? Add a pop of color! Want to give your bathroom a lilac accent wall? Do it! Interior paint can always be changed, and that means you have total freedom to find what works for you. That’s what makes this the ideal DIY project.

For another way to elevate your wall game, consider peel-and-stick wallpapers. These handy products make it super easy to add interesting patterns to wall spaces. The great news is that these sheets are super easy to remove, and that means you don’t have to stress over whether or not the next homeowner will appreciate your love for giant leaves.

2. Upgrade Your Fixtures

From doorknobs to lighting, your home is full of fixtures that are relatively easy to switch out. With just a little bit of know-how and a few tools, you can give your home the facelift it deserves with new light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, and more.

The best part about this kind of DIY project is they don’t all have to be done at once. You can switch out a fixture here and there as your budget allows, and each time you do, you’ll be one step closer to the home you’ve always imagined.

Be sure to watch online tutorials for any projects that you’re not fully comfortable with, especially any that involve electricity or water. Oh, and before you start, make sure you have a plan in place for what you want your home to eventually look like. Choose matching fixtures and complementary materials to create consistency from room to room.

3. Get Your Backyard Summer Ready

From raised flower beds to fire pits, there are thousands of DIY projects that can turn your backyard into your new favorite hangout. Backyard DIY projects are an amazing way to customize your home to fit you and your family’s needs by adding personality and functionality to the space. Here are some of our favorites:

Backyard DIY Projects:

• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Wooden decks and patios
• Swing sets
• Pergola swings
• Fire pits
• Flower beds and planter boxes
• Rain gardens
• Gazebos

Some of these projects require specific tools and a little know-how to complete. Luckily, the internet is full of tutorials, and if you decide to take these projects on, they could wind up saving you thousands compared to hiring a contractor.

So, When Should I Hire a Contractor?

The simple answer is that you should hire a professional when a project is too dangerous, too difficult, or too time-consuming for you to complete on your own. In other words, if your project is going to involve stress, chaos, and lots of mess, it might be time to pick up the phone.

While many projects are technically DIY-able (such as painting every room in your house), you may find that the time and effort required for the project simply isn’t worth the hassle or money saved. In those cases, hire a contractor that can bring in a team of pros to finish the project in days (rather than months). Some projects that fall into this category include:

• Replacing sliding doors
• Installing new windows
• Replacing carpet

Installing hardwood floors (though vinyl flooring can be a great DIY project)

While some of these can technically be completed without special skills or equipment, the risk, time, and investment simply aren’t worth it in most cases. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to talk to a professional to get their opinion about the project.

That said, there are a few specific types of projects that you shouldn’t attempt unless you have the experience, tools, and certifications required to complete them. These types of projects can not only be dangerous for you to complete, but they also run the risk of damaging or devaluing your property should something go wrong. These projects include:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Projects involving gas
• Structural changes
• Roof work

We hope that helps!

At the end of the day, only you know what kinds of projects you’re capable of tackling on your own. When you’re considering your next home improvement project, our best advice is to start by answering the questionnaire at the top of this blog.

After that, create a pros-and-cons list between DIY and hiring a contractor. If you’re comfortable with the cost, time, and know-how required for the project, just give it a go! But if you’re concerned about risking the value of your home, be sure to talk it through with a professional.

If you’re considering updating your home’s exterior with new energy-efficient doors, windows, or siding – that’s our specialty. Our team at Window World of Mason City would love the opportunity to meet with you in person or virtually to provide a free quote for your project.