The Advantages of Using a Professional Home Improvement Contractor (versus DIY)

As a homeowner, it is likely your list of home improvement projects is never ending. The windows need replacing, walls need re-painting, the roof has a leak, the bathroom is in need of a renovation and not to mention how long it has been since the gutters were last cleaned! And, while some home improvement projects can be completed as a DIY, sometimes it is advantageous – and even necessary – to call in the professionals. In this article, we are going to look at some of the advantages and reasons you should consider using a professional home improvement contractor and not undertake the job yourself.

Always Remember Safety First

Perhaps one of the most important reasons you should hire a professional contractor and not do a job yourself is safety. While there are some home improvement projects that are highly unlikely to cause you any trouble if you do it yourself (such as painting walls), there are plenty of common home improvement projects homeowners undertake that should definitely be left to the professionals. Here are some signs a home improvement job is too dangerous to do it yourself:

1. It could seriously hurt you 

If a home improvement job could seriously harm or even kill you if you get it wrong, this is a clear sign it is a job that should be undertaken by a professional home improvement contractor. This usually involves jobs such as roofing work, or dealing with any type of major electrical work.

2. It could ruin your home

Again, consider what this job could cost you if you do not do it properly. One question to ask yourself is: could this destroy my home? For example, major plumbing jobs if not done correctly can wreak havoc on your home. You could end up with a water leak that may go unnoticed for years until it weakens a wall and causes it to suddenly collapse.

3. It needs a permit

If the job requires a permit, this is definitely a sign it is too complicated and complex to be a DIY job. Each city has its own rules about which jobs require permits and how difficult it is to obtain one. In some regions, it is relatively simple for homeowners to apply for a permit. In others, you cannot receive a permit unless you are working with a licensed home improvement contractor. However, even if it is easy for you to get a permit for the job you are thinking about doing yourself, the fact that it requires a permit in the first place should make you seriously question if this is a job you could do, or if it is best left to the professionals (generally the latter option is the safest!)

The Cost of Your Time

The cost of your time is very important when considering whether or not to tackle a home improvement project yourself or onboard a professional. Generally, while you may be able to complete a job yourself, chances are it would take you twice as long or even longer to get it done as it would take for a professional home improvement contractor. And, while you might start out thinking a job will not take you that long, it is often the case it ends up taking much longer than excepted. This is usually due to the fact the job was too big or above your skill level, or you encountered a problem due to your inexperience, which meant it took additional time to fix. So, if you want the least amount of disruption to your family’s life, it is definitely advantageous to hire a professional home improvement contractor who knows what they are doing, and can expertly estimate how long the job will take.

It is More Cost-Effective

Hiring a professional home improvement contractor is not only time-effective, but it is usually more cost-effective too. While most homeowners believe it is cheaper to undertake home improvement projects themselves, this is generally not the case. If you are not experienced in home improvement projects, such as window replacements, roofing, tile laying and so forth, it is likely you will end up spending more money trying to do it yourself than you would if you had just hired a professional from the start. This is generally because when people who are inexperienced try to tackle big home improvement jobs, their lack of skills and knowledge can lead to costly mistakes that are expensive to fix. Furthermore, many home improvement contractors have industry contacts, meaning they are usually able to get discounts on building materials and tools, and can likewise source you higher quality materials.

You Will Be Much Happier with the Outcome

While yes, undertaking a DIY home improvement project might sound like a fun idea, homeowners who choose this route are often not happy with the outcome, or do not receive the outcome they expected. This is because the average homeowner does not have the construction techniques or home improvement knowledge to successfully execute a home improvement project, and to a high standard. Professional home improvement contractors understand the structure of a home and the individual components that create it, and are also familiar with different design options. This allows them to effectively interpret your needs and bring your ideas to life in a way that is more efficient, more cost effective and in a more professional way.