Renovating your home may seem like a fun project to jump into but if it is a big project, without careful planning it can quickly become a daunting task. One of the biggest confusions about renovations is knowing where to start. It can be quite puzzling not knowing whether you can attempt something on your own, or whether you need to call in a professional builder. To help make things easier we have put together a list of tips to help you decide whether your renovation project can be tackled on your own, or whether you need to call in the big guns.
So Should You DIY or Hire a Professional Builder?
Depending on the complexity of the task at hand will determine whether or not you need professional help.
For minor touch ups such as repainting rooms, updating fixtures such as door handles or blinds you shouldn’t need to hire professional help. This is great for getting ready to sell a property as it increases appeal without overcapitalising.
If you are planning a larger structural makeover then it is typically more time and cost effective to hire a professional renovation specialist. Whether you simply want to renovate your kitchen or renovate your entire house, having a professional builder and team manage the project can take the stress off your shoulders. With the big jobs taken care of you can focus on other important tasks like the styling of the room once renovations are complete.
Our Professional Tips
- While you think you might be able to tackle tiling, it is typically better to hire a professional tiler for this. There is a great deal of accuracy required when tiling and having to retile would be costly.
- Not only is it extremely dangerous, but it is also illegal to attempt any electrical work unless you are licensed. This is an area where you cannot skimp and save, hire an electrician!
Whole Home Renovations
Planning a whole home renovation is no small feat. It takes a great deal of time and money to plan a renovation of this scale. You can certainly attempt a DIY renovation on your own, however you will need to be reasonable with your timeframes. Even with a professional timeframes can be blown out, so it makes sense that a DIY renovation would take even longer. If you are on a tight schedule then enlisting a professional builder and renovation team to help would be your safest option.
Our Professional Tips
- Hiring a professional renovation specialist allows you to take a step back with the knowledge the job is being looked after. An experienced renovation professional will keep you updated on all the important details like due dates. If you are time poor or easily stressed then it is best to let a professional handle the project.
- If you do plan on tackling your home renovation on your own then you need to ensure you have a comprehensive plan and budget. If you do not keep track of the order things need to be done in then down the track it can prove quite costly. If any steps are done incorrectly then you may still need to hire a professional to fix mistakes.
It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of a home. For that reason, it comes as no surprise that this is one of the most commonly renovated areas in a house. If you want to make simple changes to your kitchen then you can always tackle the DIY tasks, like repainting walls and cupboards or replacing fixtures, on your own. When it comes to installing new electrical items or replacing a benchtop then you will need to contact a professional.
Our Professional Tips
- Know your own limitations. While you might be great at painting the kitchen wall, replacing pantry doors may not be your forte. Knowing when to call a professional for help is extremely important when renovating.
- Buying a cheap DIY flat pack or dishwasher might seem like a great idea now, but as with most things you get what you pay for. Investing in good quality cabinetry and appliances will most definitely save you more money in the future.
Like your kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home. While it seems daunting, there are some DIY tasks that you can attempt yourself like painting. When it comes to plumbing however it is usually best to trust a licensed plumber and profesional builder..
Our Professional Tips
- While it might appear easy enough to replace that shower head or tap, plumbing mistakes can be expensive. In general, it is best to leave plumbing and tiling to the professionals.
Tackling your own DIY home renovations can save you money right now, but there is the possibility that your handywork will need to be redone professionally in the future. For simple tasks like painting and replacing fixtures there is little risk in attempting these tasks on your own. However, any electrical, structural, or plumbing work will most definitely require a professional. If you are planning your renovation project and do not know which option is best for you then get in touch with our friendly team today and hire a profesional builder.
