Home Improvement the Right Way: The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Have you ever struggled to decide whether to take on a home improvement project yourself or hire a professional, only to try and do it yourself ultimately based on cost? 

It’s tempting to dive into a project if you think it’ll save you a few extra dollars. But there are other factors to consider besides cost. It’s important to weigh your skill level and experience, the time it’ll take to complete the job, the potential danger to yourself and your home, and whether you’ll be in violation of building codes if you do it yourself. Many people convince themselves that home improvement work is easier than it looks, or that contractors and other professionals somehow make it look harder than it really is. 

Ultimately, it’s your decision. But making a well-informed choice means being honest with yourself. Are you really capable of handling it? Do you have the right tools? Is it alright that it’ll take up every weekend for a month or more? Are you prepared to foot the bill for any repairs that might be necessary if you get it wrong and do damage? These are all fair questions, and it’s in your best interest to consider them objectively. Unless you can answer each one with a confident “yes,” your best option is probably to hire it out. Heed this advice from the experts at Space Clean.

There are certain areas in which a professional is always in a better position. This Old House even recommends interviewing potential contractors on the phone beforehand. Professionals are certified to do the work for which they’re hired, which means they must have the experience necessary to do the job properly.

There are certain projects where it makes more sense to hire a pro for many of the reasons previously discussed. Not surprisingly, complex electrical repairs are at the top of the list. The risk of fire and electrocution make this work extremely hazardous and costly if you get it wrong. And, in many cases, making sure the work is up to code means obtaining the necessary permits, all of which can be impractical, time-consuming, and expensive. 

Window cleaning might sound like an easy task, and it can be if you have nothing but tilt-in windows, but many homes don’t have that luxury. High bay windows and those built to remain stationary (casement, geometric, etc.) can’t be easily cleaned from the ground. It remains important, however, to ensure these windows don’t get left by the wayside. Years of dirt and debris can take its toll on the seals around the glass and leave behind cracks and air leaks. Plus, sparkling windows boost your curb appeal, making caring for them an especially important task for homeowners planning to sell in the near future who want a boosted appraisal value. Professional window cleaning from Space Clean will take care of your grimy windows so you can stay safely on the ground. Plus, we offer a variety of other residential and commercial services to keep your property protected and looking its best. Reach out online or by calling (585) 955-3120 to start your project!

Plumbing is another tricky area for DIYers. Many plumbing-related jobs are often done successfully by homeowners. The problem is, if a single mistake is made, it can result in considerable flooding and water damage, which is always expensive to repair. Extending hot water lines, connecting sewer lines, or even replacing a toilet or water heater can cost you dearly if you’re not absolutely sure of what you’re doing. A certified plumber is usually your best bet, particularly for those jobs that are most risky.

Installing or repairing an HVAC system is also an expensive and often complex project involving electrical knowledge, which means there’s considerable personal risk involved. In general, it’s considered a job that should be done by a professional. Often, doing it yourself will void any warranty that comes with the system you’re trying to install, which can result in a very expensive repair bill and leave you vulnerable should things go badly after the fact.

In general, you should contact a professional roofer, via resources like Thumbtack, if substantial structural repairs are needed. Substantial means anything that’s more involved than replacing a couple loose or damaged shingles. Even minor damage can leave you with a leaky roof and costly internal damage. 

Your home is your single greatest asset. Keeping this in mind, the benefits of hiring a professional to perform a complicated home improvement project become evident. It makes little sense to take on a job that might well do more damage than good. You never want to undermine any value you are trying to add to your home. 

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

Guest Article by Maria Cannon from Hobbyjr.org