Agent Mike Bodine Helps You Decide: DIY Home Improvements or Hire a Professional Contractor?
Realtor and DIY Home Improvement expert, Mike Bodine
When you're moving into a new home or refreshing your current space, the to-do list can feel endless. From kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations to painting walls and landscaping projects, homeowners face a constant question: should I tackle this DIY home improvement project myself or hire a professional contractor? So if you’ve got that champagne taste on a Bud Light budget, you’re gonna want to keep reading so you know when to DIY and when to call in the experts. These tips can save you thousands of dollars, prevent costly mistakes, and help you create the home of your dreams (and Pinterest board).
As a Realtor who's seen countless home renovation projects—both successful DIY transformations and expensive DIY disasters—I've learned valuable lessons about home improvement planning. My first home was a fixer-upper that taught me everything from basic cosmetic fixes to complete basement finishing, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom renovations. Whether you're considering DIY painting, flooring installation, deck building, or more complex home renovations, here's your comprehensive guide to making smart decisions about home improvement projects.
When DIY Home Improvements Make Sense: Save Money and Build Skills
You enjoy hands-on learning and home improvement skills development. If researching DIY techniques, watching home renovation tutorials, and learning new construction skills brings you genuine satisfaction, DIY projects can be incredibly rewarding. The best DIY projects are ones that feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
You don't mind physical work and getting your hands dirty. Successful DIY home improvements require patience, physical effort, and the willingness to work through challenges. Home renovation projects demand time and energy, so make sure you're genuinely interested in the hands-on aspect of home improvement work.
You want to save money on home renovations. One of the biggest advantages of DIY projects is reducing labor costs. When you handle the work yourself, you only pay for materials and tools, potentially saving hundreds or thousands on contractor fees. This cost savings on home improvements can be substantial, especially for projects like interior painting, basic carpentry, or simple plumbing repairs.
Your mistakes will be easy to fix. Consider the risk level before starting any home improvement project. DIY-friendly projects like painting rooms, installing trim, patching drywall, or basic landscaping are forgiving—if you don't like the results, you can easily redo the work without major expense. These beginner DIY projects are perfect for building confidence and home improvement skills.
When to Hire a Professional Contractor: Safety, Complexity, and Time Considerations
The project involves safety risks or could cause property damage. Major electrical work, structural modifications, gas line installation, roofing repairs, and foundation work should always be handled by licensed contractors. These complex home improvements pose serious safety hazards if done incorrectly—electrical fires, gas leaks, structural collapse, and flooding can result from DIY mistakes. When safety is at stake, professional contractors are worth every penny.
The project causes significant stress or exceeds your skill level. If the thought of tackling a home renovation project fills you with dread rather than excitement, and you have the budget available, hiring a contractor makes sense. Your mental health and peace of mind matter, and professional contractors bring expertise that ensures quality results without the learning curve.
You have limited time for home improvement projects. Most homeowners can find weekend time for simple projects like painting a bedroom or replacing light fixtures. However, larger renovations like adding a bathroom, finishing a basement, or complete kitchen remodeling will consume your life for weeks or months. If you can't dedicate significant time to project management, hiring a general contractor to handle the work keeps your schedule manageable and your sanity intact.
Essential Tips for Successful DIY Home Improvement Projects
Embrace the learning curve and expect DIY mistakes. Every homeowner makes mistakes on their first DIY projects—it's part of the learning process. You'll improve your home improvement skills with each project, and your results will get better over time. Don't let perfectionism prevent you from starting DIY home improvements.
Always pull required building permits for home renovations. This crucial step protects you legally and ensures your work meets local building codes. Permitted work gets professionally inspected, which catches potential problems early. When you eventually sell your home, unpermitted additions like new bathrooms or basement finishing can create serious complications during real estate transactions and home inspections.
Know your strengths and hire strategically for complex tasks. On larger home renovation projects, consider a hybrid approach: hire professional contractors for specialized work requiring advanced skills or expensive equipment, while handling simpler tasks yourself. For example, you might hire an electrician for wiring but do your own drywall installation and painting. This strategic approach to DIY home improvements saves money while ensuring quality results.
Utilize Portland's tool libraries and equipment rental options. Before purchasing expensive tools for your DIY project, check out Portland's amazing tool libraries throughout the city. You'll find everything from basic hand tools to specialized equipment for flooring installation, tile work, and landscaping. For tools unavailable at tool libraries, consider equipment rental from home improvement stores or local tool rental businesses. This approach keeps your DIY project costs low without cluttering your garage.
Research thoroughly using multiple DIY resources and tutorials. We're living in the golden age of DIY home improvement content. YouTube tutorials, home renovation blogs, DIY forums, and home improvement websites offer incredible guidance for every skill level. Before starting any project—whether interior painting, deck building, or bathroom remodeling—consult multiple sources to develop a comprehensive plan. Don't base your entire approach on a single video; cross-reference techniques and gather various perspectives on the best DIY methods.
Invest in quality materials for lasting home improvements. This is perhaps the most important DIY tip: don't skimp on materials! You're already saving substantial money on labor costs, so invest some of those savings in quality finishes, durable materials, and products you'll love seeing every day. Cheap materials often look cheap, wear poorly, and may need replacement sooner—negating your DIY cost savings. Quality materials make your DIY home improvements look professionally done.
Set realistic timelines for home renovation projects. A classic DIY mistake is underestimating project duration. Whatever timeline you initially estimate for your home improvement project, double it—or even triple it for your first attempt at a new type of work. Realistic expectations about DIY project timelines reduce stress, help you plan accordingly, and keep relationships with spouses and housemates harmonious throughout the renovation process.
Whether you're planning simple cosmetic updates or major home renovations, understanding when to DIY and when to hire professionals helps you make smart decisions for your home improvement projects. The right approach depends on your skills, available time, budget, and the specific project requirements. By following these guidelines for DIY home improvements, you'll save money where it makes sense while avoiding costly mistakes on complex projects that require professional expertise.
Ready to start your next home improvement project? Take time to assess your skills honestly, research thoroughly, gather the right tools and materials, and don't hesitate to call in professional contractors when projects exceed your capabilities. Your home is your biggest investment—treat your home renovations with the planning and care they deserve, and you'll create a space you'll love for years to come.