We get it; HGTV makes DIY home improvement projects look so easy. However, not all projects are the same, and some things should be left to the professionals. Taking on complex building and remodeling projects yourself may give the impression of saving money, but the majority of major DIY projects end up costing more than if a professional contractor would have been hired in the first place.
Yes, some projects can be completed on your own, like repainting your bedroom or adding some new shelves to the pantry, but it’s important to consider the 3 T’s before committing to a DIY project: Do you have the time, tools, and talent to complete the project? If not, you should turn to the professionals. In general, there are 4 DIY home projects that should be left for a professional contractor to complete for you: bathroom remodels, building a deck, renovating a kitchen, and installing a new floor.
Why You Should Not DIY Remodel Your Bathroom
Bathroom remodeling can be a massive headache. Many professional bathroom remodelers make their jobs look easy with their years of experience and key knowledge, which most DIY remodelers lack. Many homeowners have the necessary skills to remodel their bathrooms themselves. Here is when you should ask yourself, “Do I have the ability to remodel my bathroom myself?”
Any home remodeling that involves plumbing or electrical work should involve a call to the professionals, and bathroom remodels involve both. We have fixed many failed DIY bathroom remodels and in our experience we have seen 2 common problems. A poorly executed DIY job in the bathroom can lead to:
- Water Damage
- Mold Growth
This was caused by incorrect plumbing installation that led to leaks.
A professional contractor has the extensive knowledge and experience required to ensure your bathroom is remodeled correctly on the first attempt.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Deck
Are you imagining bright, sunny days spent relaxing on your newly constructed deck? Setting up your chair and realizing it’s sliding down the slope of your deck will cause that dream to come crashing down. Although constructing a DIY deck for your outdoor retreat may seem like a great idea, deck building is a task best left to the experts.
Structural soundness is the top priority when building a new deck, and an amateur DIYer typically lacks the necessary tools to ensure structural integrity and precise measurement. Local governments also have building regulations in place, which may not be something every homeowner is aware of.
A qualified deck builder will guarantee that your deck is not only aesthetically pleasing but also compliant with local building regulations, safe, and strong enough to stand up to the elements and heavy foot traffic.
Pros & Cons Of DIYing Your Kitchen
As they say, “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” and we entirely agree that this area has a unique significance. Even though DIY homeowners may feel confident in their ability to tackle a kitchen renovation, the truth is that even projects that seem relatively straightforward often have a myriad of complex components hiding behind the scenes.
Kitchen renovations involve much more than surface-level changes. Careful planning and execution are necessary to ensure the integrity and safety of every component. For those attempting to DIY the project, it is easy to quickly become overwhelmed due to the complicated demands of a kitchen upgrade:
- Plumbing work
- Cabinet installation
- Electrical work
- Countertop placement
Enlisting the services of a professional contractor can help to streamline the process and ensure every detail is meticulously taken care of. The result will be a beautiful kitchen that continues to flawlessly function as the heart of your home.
Should You DIY Your Home’s Floor?
DIY tutorials walking you through the process of installing a floor are abundant on the internet. Just because someone shows you how to tackle this project on your phone, doesn’t mean that you possess the skill and precision required to properly lay down a new floor in your home.
From hardwood to tile, each material comes with its own set of challenges and special considerations:
- Specialized tools
- Subfloor preparation
- Proper pattern alignment
Mistakes made by DIY enthusiasts can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. Hiring a professional ensures that your new floor is correctly installed on the first try. You will then be left with a seamless finish that enhances the appeal of your living space.
Hire Jared D. Aungst Construction!
Like most DIY jobs, you may have the confidence to take on DIY home projects, but that doesn’t mean that you should. Some things should be left to the pros, and that includes bathroom remodels, deck building, kitchen renovations, and flooring jobs. If you’re looking to take on a new home project, leave it to the team at Jared D. Aungst Construction. We are committed to providing professional contracting services to Berks, Schuylkill, and Lebanon Counties. Contact us for a free quote, today!