I’m not usually a big fan of guest blogs, but here is an excerpt from an email I received from a trade partner called Prosource. Prosource was recently purchased and will have a grand reopening in Boise soon. They have a focus on flooring.

From the mouth of Prosource

Prosource

We’ve all been inspired by the deluge of DIY television shows, online videos and articles, all seemingly designed to motivate us to tackle our own home remodeling projects. In an honest moment, even the least handy among us can admit to thinking that if the guy on the DIY video can remodel his bathroom in what appears to be a weekend, surely we can do the same. Right?

Not necessarily.

Depending on the size and work involved, handling your own home improvement project will likely involve more skill than just twisting a screwdriver. And substantially more time.

Before you decide to tackle a remodeling project without professional help, here are some questions you should consider, courtesy of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI):

• Do you enjoy physical work? (Because as any professional contractor will tell you, watching those DIY shows is not the same as actually swinging the hammer yourself.)
• Are you persistent and patient? (Be honest!)
• Do you have reliable work habits? (Because the work only counts if the remodel project gets finished…something you can count on a professional to do.)
• Do you have the tools, and more important, the skills you need do the job right? (Professionals come equipped with both.)
• Do you have the time required to complete the project? (If you don’t have professional-level skills, always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project.)
• Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for that much time?
• Are you prepared to handle the stress this project will create in your family relationships?
• Do you know all of the steps involved in the project? (A professional knows, because your project isn’t their first project.)
• Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? (Professional contractors are familiar with local codes and requirements, and know how to obtain any permits you might need. They can also give you a good idea of your project timeline.)
• What will you do if the project goes wrong? (If you botch the job, most professional contractors will be wary about coming to the rescue to fix it.)
• Is it safe for you to do this home remodel project? (Because let’s face it, certain can be treacherous if you don’t have the training and experience to know what you’re doing.)
• Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? (A professional is your best connection to high-quality materials you likely can’t get at a home improvement store, often at better prices than you’ll find.)
• Are you attempting to do-it-yourself to save money? (If so, take a good look at the potential costs of your DIY project, including the cost of your time and of correcting any potential mistakes. Now, is it still a bargain?)

Hopefully, this list has given you not only a DIY reality check, but also several reasons why hiring a trade professional can help make your remodeling project less stressful and more successful.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor please contact me, you’ll be glad you did.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.