Even when they truly love their homes, many homeowners have a few sore spots they wish they could change. An outdated bathroom, a closet that’s too small or a kitchen without enough counter space — over time these seemingly small annoyances can turn into big frustrations.
That’s why in 2016 almost two-thirds of all homeowners began making plans to remodel one or more rooms in their homes, said reporters at CNBC. Some people planned simple, surface DIY projects to improve the look and feel, while others decided to bring in professionals to renovate the space from the nuts and bolts. Knowing the best option for your remodel project — DIY or to hire a professional — can rest in one major concern for many homeowners: safety.
Professional or DIY: Bathroom
Making up almost 80 percent of all renovation projects — bathrooms are the most frequently remodeled room in a house said experts from the National Homebuilders Association. When you hire a professional, you know that the person tearing out your plumbing or installing your new tub has the skills and experience to do a high quality job.
Benefits of a Pro:
- Time: A professional takes an average of 4-5 weeks to remodel a bathroom. Since most homeowners have jobs and other responsibilities, many DIY bathroom renovations take twice as long. Average price to remodel a bathroom according to HomeAdvisor cost between $6,238 – $15,216.
- Safety Training: Many professionals not only know the importance of safety, but have special certifications and trainings that help them know how to react safely if a damaging leak springs up during the remodel.
- Insurance: If a professional is injured on the job, they likely have liability insurance to protect you from paying for their medical care. If you’re injured while conducting a DIY project, you’ll likely have to take time off work and pay for your care.
Benefits of DIY:
- Access to Materials and Tools: Purchasing materials and renting tools is less expensive than the cost of labor. Plus, renting tools is easy — most home improvement stores rent all the tools you need for a bathroom remodel, which usually costs about $60 a week.
Professional or DIY: Bedroom
On average, Americans spend more than $7,000 on bedroom renovations. While simple changes, like a coat of paint and new fixtures, can be a simple weekend project, other remodeling needs can require a construction professional.
Benefits of a Pro:
- Experience: Do you know how to tear down a wall without destroying a much needed support? Professionals come in with skills and knowledge that can prevent unintentional damage from occurring. Also, structural changes require permits and the professional you hire will be able to complete the paperwork for you. You might be able to do the first step, like removing wallpaper, but a professional can handle complex tasks with ease, like knocking down a wall.
- Long-term Safety: More than 5,000 house fires a year starts because of bad electrical wiring, notes the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). A professional with a strong reputation will take the time to make sure the job is done right.
Benefits of DIY:
- Online Resources: There are so many online resources for bedroom remodels that homeowners can find tips and techniques in blogs and even video format. If you know what you want, chances are, the Internet can show you how to do it.
- Timeline: A DIY bedroom remodel means you can set the time it takes to get to completion. This also means that you don’t have to deal with a stranger coming into your home for days, weeks or months.
Safety is important before, during and after any remodeling project. Questions you can ask to decide if a safety is a concern:
- Do you know how to safely and properly use power drills?
- Do you know how to upgrade pipes and plumbing without risking a leak?
- Do you know how to get any of the required permits or inspections?
If your answer to any of these questions is no, hiring a professional with proven safety is a great way to get long-term great quality in your remodel. When it comes to DIY or hiring a pro, the safety requirements needed, plus the scope of the project and the quality of the outcome should drive your decision.