Home Repair - Do it yourself - Should You?

Should You Do It Yourself? If none of these apply to you, you should definitely consider hiring an expert for the job.

• You have a knack for working with tools
• You're good at taking things apart and putting them together
• You can clearly visualize what finished projects should look like
• You take pride in your creativity and home improvement skills
• You have plenty of leisure time and energy
• You find working on your house an enjoyable hobby
• You are willing to research projects thoroughly and develop needed skills
• You know your limitations

Before you step into any do it yourself project you need to consider:

1. Do you have the skills?
Skills. Be realistic about your skills. Don't try to take on work that you won't be able to finish or that may end up looking unprofessional. Avoid intricate work or work that requires a high degree of craftsmanship unless you're competent at the job. For example, don't plan on building raised-panel cabinets unless you have the necessary cabinetmaking skills.
2. Do you have the tools?
Tools. Be aware that you'll need special tools for some jobs. You can rent tools; you can often even buy tools with what you'll save on labor. However, if you don't already own the tools, you probably don't have very much experience at using them. Once again, think twice before jumping in with both feet unless you have the necessary know-how.
3. Do you have the time?

Time. Don't forget to take your time into consideration. Even spare time has a value—and the value of yours is worth factoring into the equation. Although a professional repairperson can probably do the job considerably faster than you can, you actually may complete some jobs sooner by doing them yourself because you won't have to wait for professionals to show up. Now if you answered no to any of the three questions above we will need to look at the alternatives! There is definitely something to be said for hiring a professional to handle a project from start to finish, particularly if you find a professional who gives you a quality job at a good price. Unfortunately, that isn't always easy. The best way to find good people is through personal recommendations. Talk to friends or neighbors who have had similar work done and were happy with the results and the service. If you can't get recommendations, talk to local building supply dealers or chamber of commerce. It's also smart to check with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to make sure there isn't a history of consumer complaints against the professional you plan to hire. Another option is to do some of the work yourself and save the more complicated tasks for the pros. Demolition work usually can be tackled by homeowners who aren't afraid of getting a little dirty. Painting is another good way to be involved in the project and save money. But be aware that if you set up this type of arrangement, you must stay ahead of your contractor; he or she won't want to be slowed down by the need to wait for you. John Michael - "Building Wealth Together"