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2019 BNCW & Sangster Motors Home Tour & Remodeling Expo

Do-it-Yourself or Hire a Professional?

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have n Where will you obtain the n Are you familiar with the
skyrocketed in popularity on the heels necessary materials? architecture and structure of
of Martha Stewart Living, HGTV and your home (i.e., how
other popular home-improvement n Are you familiar with the knocking down one wall will
programming and publications. And applicable building codes affect the rest of the
structure)?
and permits?
for certain small projects, a DIY project
can be rewarding and fun – if you are n Do you enjoy physical labor? n Have you considered the
prepared and have the proper skills. hidden costs associated with
Before you start knocking down walls n Do you have the necessary doing it yourself – time,
and taking out wiring, ask yourself the skills for this project? If not, tools and the possibility that
following questions: do you have the time and you may actually decrease
resources to learn these the value of your house if
n Do you have a clear idea of skills? the result isn’t up to
what you want your project to professional standards?
look like? n If you cannot complete the
project according to your It is easy to look at the cost of hiring a
n Do you have the time to original schedule, are you professional remodeler and think only
complete this project? (and your family) prepared to of labor and materials. But remember
handle the resulting that a professional remodeler offers
n Have you ever undertaken a inconvenience? you an important service – years of
project like this before?
n Will you need assistance experience, the right tools, a network
n Do you know everything you with this project? If so, of suppliers and subcontractors,
will need (materials, tools, who will assist you? Do they and an in-depth understanding of
etc.) to complete the project? have the time and skills legal regulations, cost estimating,
required for this project? scheduling and the latest construction
n Do you have all the tools you techniques.
will need? n Do you understand all the
safety issues associated with Source: Builders FirstSource
this project

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