It often seems that the general thought on home improvements is, “Don’t pay someone for something you can do yourself.” In some cases this may be true. However, there are certain home improvement projects that should, contrary to popular belief, be left up the professionals.

Home improvement projects typically fall into one of these categories:

Beautifying your home: Painting the walls, installing new flooring and upgrading cabinets or fixtures

Creating comfort: Upgrading your heating or air-conditioning, waterproofing or soundproofing

Maintenance and repairs: Replacing the roof, repairing the foundation, plumbing or electrical

Energy-saving: Installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, windows, solar panels

Adding space: Turning unused space into livable space, adding an additional onto your home

Safety: Installing storm doors or windows, creating a storm cellar for hurricane and tornado protection

How do you know which projects to take on yourself? Well, there are certain considerations to be made before any work gets started. Think about the project, and these considerations will help you determine whether you can do the project yourself or whether you need to hire a professional.

Do you have the time to take on the project? If it’s something simple, like painting a roof or updating cabinet hardware, you probably will, but if it’s a large-scale project, like a whole room remodel, it can take weeks to complete. This might mean that a room in your house is out of commission until the project is completed. If the inconvenience is too much a problem, hire someone who can get the job done quicker.

What is your skill level? If you are an accomplished home improver with a wide array of skills, you can consider doing many projects yourself. However, if you don’t really know much about home improvements beyond painting a wall, you may want to hire someone who’s professionally trained to make sure the work gets done right the first time around.

What materials will be needed for the project? Certain projects require specific tools to get the job done. If this project would be a one-time deal for you, it might not be wise to invest in the pricey tool you’ll never use again. Also, you need to know what building materials will be needed, such as tile or wood. You can go ahead and use the cheaper stuff but it might not be as durable. A professional may have the better quality materials you’re looking for.

Do you understand the safety issues that come along with the project? Putting on a new roof runs you the risk of falling off the house. Running electricity runs you the risk of getting electrocuted. If you are sure you’re completely capable of avoiding of getting the project done safely you can probably do it yourself instead of hiring someone.

Does this project require a permit? Small, cosmetic home improvements don’t need one, but larger projects like additions, electrical wiring and plumbing do require permits. If you hire a professional for these jobs you can be sure that all of the legalities will be taken care of properly.

Once you have answers to all of these considerations you can decide which route to take, they D.I.Y. route or the professional route. If you choose to go D.I.Y., make sure you’re up the challenge. Whichever way you go, the end result will be a beautiful, updated home you can be sure to enjoy!

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