If you’re an avid DIYer you know what I mean when I say that there’s nothing like the rush of satisfaction you feel when you’re chalking off another job well done on the old tool belt. However, sometimes a home maintenance project requires some major construction experience and hiring a professional ensures a job well done.

In all fairness, every now and then we have to decide whether it’s a DIY project or time to hire a contractor for the job.

It’s the “when” of it all that we wrestle with, isn’t it? Sometimes that’s because we’re thinking about the money we can save—especially when looking at improving the market value.

It can be especially tough if you consider yourself to be a bit of a DIY pro. However, knowing when you can wind up in over your head and deciding to pass speaks to your professionalism, you know.

Here are a few things to consider that may sway your decision one way or the other.

Can I die trying to accomplish this project?

Don’t laugh. That’s a very serious fact to contemplate when taking on major home maintenance or renovation projects.

Seriously, consider the fact that of the 500,000 accidents that occur annually involving ladders, 97% of them happen at home or on the farm rather than in the workplace. Some of those result to a fatality and you don’t want to risk becoming part of next year’s statistic.

Working with electricity is another potentially hazardous situation.

Is this job more than I can handle?

It’s wise to consider the outcome of botching a job. Discovering you’ve made a major error is bad. Discovering you’ve made a mistake that’s going to require calling in a professional—like, now—is worse. It’s sure to blow your budget in an astronomical type of way.

“Some projects are certainly best left to the professionals. For instance, window replacement requires precision to ensure the customer doesn’t have problems down the road. Improper installation can cause eventual mechanical failure.

In addition, leaving the unit exposed to the elements to even the tiniest degree allows moisture to set in. If you don’t catch it, it eventually gains access to the interior of your home. Either of these issues can get very costly to repair.” says Randy Reece, CEO of Reece Windows. 

And, since we’re on the subject…

Damaged windows aren’t always noticed unless you’re actually looking for it. Cracked or tiny missing pieces of caulk is all that’s needed to allow moisture to begin working its way toward the interior of your home.

Left unchecked, it doesn’t take long for mold and wood rot take hold. 

Once either of them starts, they spread and the outcome isn’t good.

• Mold causes health issues and they grow worse with prolonged exposure. Mold spores easily become airborne and we breathe the stuff as it floats about in the air.
• Wood rot left unchecked causes major structural damage over time. It’s caused by a fungus that lives on the wood causing it to deteriorate. Wood rot can completely destroy the wood in a home over an extended period of time.

Scheduling in some time to inspect your windows periodically will keep you on top of making minor repairs, such as recaulking, that will prevent moisture from taking root.

Could it adversely impact resale value if I get it wrong?

Should you be considering hiring someone to handle painting the interior of your home, simply because you’re experiencing anxiety over making the correct color choice.

Say, if you’re getting ready to put your home on the market or maybe you’re a first-time flipper with everything on the line. 

Here’s a little insider tip for you.

Joshua Silva, CEO at Silva Group, shared this advice, “All too often we as realtors walk into a home and see the seller’s color preferences. Unfortunately, they don’t always resonate with the buyers’ market.

Whites and light greys really open up a room and make the room feel bigger. On the other hand, darker colors make the room feel smaller. There’s a reason why most home flippers use “Swiss Coffee” to paint their homes.”

So, there you have it. 

If it was just fretting over making the perfect color choice that was holding you back, break out the paint trays and go for it! 

However, if you’re considering a major home maintenance or renovation project, taking the time to consider whether or not it’s a project that you can complete safely is a good idea. You should also think about the possibility of costing yourself more in the long run if something goes wrong. 

Weighing these two factors honestly will aid you in deciding whether or not you’ll be strapping on the tool belt or sitting this one out.

Michelle Williams

Michelle believes construction is in her DNA. She spent many happy summers on the job site alongside her dad. As time passed, writing became her first love. She’s a contributing author at Roofing Lawton and loves the gig! However, she doesn’t hesitate to strap on the tool belt and tackle a project on the side. Her kids love the playhouse!