Owning a home comes with a fair share of responsibilities, including maintenance and repairs. And, while some items on your to-do list can be tackled with a little DIY spirit, others are best left to the professionals.
There are so many specialty renovation shows these days that many people are falsely assured they can tackle pretty much any project on their own and save a load of cash. The true key to saving yourself valuable time, money and potential headaches, however, is determining when to roll up your sleeves versus pick up the phone.
If saving money is top-of-mind, it’s not likely the most cost-effective decision to risk undertaking a huge project on your own. After all, having an issue fixed by a professional after the fact can cost you even more!
Start small
It’s best to begin with minor repairs and see how you do from there. There are plenty of projects that the average homeowner with basic skills and understanding can successfully perform thanks to online articles and videos.
Start with DIY tasks that require only a few tools and don’t affect the integrity of the home/systems, including:
· Painting
· Regrouting tile
· Fixing cracks in plaster
You can gradually add to your DIY experience, knowing there are some projects that always require professional expertise and knowledge.
Some tasks must be performed by a licensed professional, such as a plumber or electrician, for safety reasons. If you try to tackle projects like this on your own, you may unknowingly create one or more safety hazards in your home, putting you and your family at an increased risk for fire, injury or worse.
When in doubt, it’s always in your best interest to call in an expert.
If you’re looking to take on a large project, ask your mortgage agent about economical financing options. Answers are just a call or email away!
