Cost is always front of mind when renovating a home. To save money, you may be tempted to do most home improvement projects yourself to save money.
It is normal to avoid hiring professionals to cut costs. However, DIY is not always the right choice, especially for larger projects. DIY can also cost you more money when it is not done correctly! In these situations, professionals are needed to get the job done.
But don’t believe that hiring a professional means you need to pay the highest price point. Hiring a professional, especially the right professional, for your project can actually save you money (and grief)! You just need to know when to hire and how to find the right person for the job.
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When to Hire a Professional
Think about how your home functions. For example, the structure of your house functions to keep the foundation strong and the roof standing. That structure needs to remain in excellent condition. The plumbing functions to keep your home connected to the water supply. If you want to be able to turn the lights on, you need an electrical system that performs well.
You can’t afford to have an underperforming structure, plumbing, or electricity in your home. This is important for keeping your home safe. There are also legal codes that require standards to be met. Make sure you have a professional who can keep your home functioning properly and safely.
Do you need to give your living room a fresh coat of paint? Is your bathroom tile outdated? Lucky for you these are things that you can do yourself! When thinking about DIY, think “cosmetic”. You can give your space a new aesthetic without hiring a pro!
Who to Hire
For projects that require professionals, you want to make sure you hire someone with the proper licensing. You can ask for their credentials before hiring.
You will also have the option of hiring a professional directly or through a third party: direct contractors vs. general contractors.
Direct contractors are experts you will have an agreement with directly. For example, a drywall contractor cuts out the middle man, thus eliminating their cut and can give you a cheaper price. When you hire directly, you can choose exactly who will be working on your home.
Compare this process to hiring a general contractor. If you hire a firm to renovate your living room, they will choose the contractors. They may hire a drywall contractor and electrical contractor separately. While you will not have to worry about making the hiring decisions, you will also pay more for the same services.
How a Professional Saves You Money
So, you have a big project and need a professional. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still save money. Home improvement costs homeowners thousands, so make sure you are spending wisely when you invest in your home.
When DIY takes a turn for the worst, professionals may have to step in afterward. You will end up paying for everything you spent on materials for the DIY project, in addition to whatever the pro will charge. Hiring a professional from the start will save you time and money in research and materials.
Professionals can also save you money on materials. When you shop for materials, you may pay full price for something that may not be correct for your project. The pros will often have agreements with their providers and can you get the best rate.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid of home improvement, but make sure you know what you can do yourself and what needs to be done by a professional. These professionals, particularly direct contractors, can save you money in the long run.
