DIY Home Renovation Best Practices: When to Tackle It Yourself vs. Call in a Pro

Thinking about taking on a home improvement project yourself? While it can be a great way to save money, not every project is a good candidate for DIY. Some tasks require expertise, tools, or simply more time than you may have. Here are DIY home renovation best practices to help you decide when to DIY and when to leave it to the pros.

DIY-Friendly Projects

Don't underestimate the power of YouTube, which can make experts of us all. If you’re comfortable with a toolkit and have some basic skills, these are great DIY projects to take on:

Painting the interior walls of your home is one of the easiest and most affordable way to refresh your space.

Painting Walls

Painting the interior walls of your home is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your space. With some prep work and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking finish.

Tips:

• Use painter’s tape for clean edges.

• Invest in high-quality paint for the smoothest finish.

• Don’t skip the prep—clean, sand, and prime surfaces.

Watch Out:

If you have high ceilings or intricate trim, this might take more time and patience than expected. If you’re uncertain, tackle a small area first before proceeding with the whole space.

And, although you may be tempted to give your cabinets a facelift by painting them yourself, the complexity in doing this correctly to ensure the longevity of the finish is best left to a professional cabinet painter.

Installing a Backsplash

Peel-and-stick or basic subway tiles can be a great DIY project.

Tips:

• The strong adhesive of peel and stick tiles requires careful measuring, planning, and preparation.

• Measure your whole space first—then measure again! Proper measurements are essential in ensuring you have enough material for the project.

• Make sure to prep the walls – a clean, level workspace is essential for proper installation.

Installing a peel and stick tile back splash and replacing faucets can be an easy and effective way to freshen your space.

Watch Out:

Working with more complex tile patterns or tricky spots around electrical outlets is better suited for a professional.

Replacing Hardware & Fixtures

Swapping out cabinet knobs, light fixtures, or faucets can be an easy and effective way to refresh your space.

Tips:

• Turn the power off when replacing light fixtures.

• Check for leaks before and after installing new faucets.

Watch Out:

Replacing hardware and fixtures can quickly become more complicated than it seems. Rusty or stubborn screws, old, corroded plumbing, and unexpected wiring issues can turn a simple task into a time-consuming project. If you encounter any rewiring or need to deal with complicated plumbing, it’s best to call in a licensed electrician or professional plumber to avoid costly mistakes or safety risks.

When to Consider Getting Help

Some projects come with risks or require more expertise than a DIYer might have. Here are some that might be better left to the professionals:

Complex Electrical Work

If it involves re-wiring or anything with power, it’s time to call in an expert. Safety is paramount and the risks just aren’t worth it.

Plumbing Overhauls

Small repairs are doable, but major plumbing jobs can lead to leaks and water damage if not done right.

Structural Changes

Removing walls or adding rooms can affect the structural integrity of your home—leave this to the pros who know what they're doing.

Roofing Repairs

Roofing requires specific expertise, and even small leaks require correct installation to avoid bigger issues down the line. If you’re unsure about safety or the proper technique, it’s better to let a pro handle it.

How to Decide: DIY or Call a Pro?

DIY Home Renovation Projects can be fun, but it's important to know your limits.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have the necessary skills and tools to safely and effectively complete the project?

• Could I make mistakes that ultimately cost me more to fix than hiring a professional?

• Would a pro do a better job?

DIY can be fun, but it’s important to know your limits. If it’s a project you feel comfortable with, go for it! However, some tasks are best left to professionals. Don't be afraid to call in an expert when needed.

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re not sure whether your next project is a DIY or a DI-WHY, contact us. We offer a free Project Planning Guide to help you get started working on a big picture plan.

We're happy to help you evaluate your plans and offer guidance, before you pick up a hammer.