Page 22 2016 HBA Homeowners’ Resource Guide Weigh Your Options Before a Do-it-Yourself Remodel While most professional remodelers understand that home owners will do some of their own home repairs or small renovations, after repairing many a DIY gone awry they overwhelmingly believe that many jobs should be left to the pros. The desire among home owners to tackle repair and remodeling projects has risen. Before attempting to create a gorgeous bathroom, consider the following before sinking your resources into the project. Safety Without the proper training and preparation, a DIYer can and has landed in the emergency room. Unfamiliarity with new tools and techniques can lead to lifethreatening accidents. Follow product directions and safety procedures and always use proper safety equipment. A good rule of thumb for any home owner is to avoid projects that require a license. Veteran remodelers advise against doing electrical or plumbing work on your own and avoid making structural changes to walls, roofs and floors. You run the risk of compromising the structural integrity of your home and having a large hole in your roof or floor. Leave this work in the hands of professionals with the proper training. Time DIYers often tackle larger projects but if something goes wrong, there is no one to hold to the deadline. Hiring a professional will ensure that you have a contract with a completion date and that the remodeler will bring in whatever help is necessary to get the job finished on time. If timing is a priority for your weekend warrior, call a professional remodeler to get your project completed. Cost Purchasing new tools is exciting but consider the price of all the specialty tools used for a one-time project when they are sitting untouched in your garage for a few years. There are some home projects that professional remodelers believe can be tackled by determined DIYers such as interior painting, caulking, changing door knobs and cabinet pulls, and some aesthetic work (depending on skill level) such as installing crown molding. DIY projects should be fun and suit your skill level. If they’re not, then consider hiring a professional. For information about hiring a remodeler, contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Southwest Illinois for names of member remodelers by visiting www.hbaswil.org or call us at (618) 343-6331.
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