When to DIY Around the House and When to Call Help

C.J. Braden     •      3 Minute Read

when to diy around the house and when to call help

When to DIY Around the House and When to Call Help

DIY projects can be great ways to save money and add value to your home. However, there are times when it's best to call a professional rather than try a project on your own. Knowing the difference between DIY and when you should call in an expert can help you decide which route is best for your situation.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of DIY home projects, potential risks of DIY home projects, signs you should call a professional, benefits of calling a professional, and more so that you can make an informed decision about taking on any project yourself or calling for help from an experienced contractor.


Benefits of DIY Home Projects

painted blue kitchen cabinets

Try painting your own cabinets with chalk paint

DIY home projects offer a variety of benefits, from cost savings to personal accomplishment. DIY projects allow you to save money on materials and labor since you are doing the work yourself. Furthermore, DIY projects can be excellent sources of pride and satisfaction when you finish them and show them off to your friends and family.


We like to DIY chalk painted furniture and cabinets. Try our chalk paint tutorial below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:


Assess Your Skill Set

wood ceilings in living room

Wood ceilings can be done DIY but are easier done by a professional

The first step in determining if you should attempt a DIY project is evaluating your knowledge and skill level for the chosen task. Not all jobs around the house are created equal, and some require more in-depth knowledge or experience than others. Evaluate whether you have the necessary skills to complete the project on your own or if you would benefit from professional help.


Consider the Complexity of the Project

modern slatted wall and light fixture

Try hanging your own lighting

Once you have considered your capabilities, think about how complex the task is that you are attempting. For example, DIY is not feasible if it requires specialized tools or a vast amount of technical know-how. Additionally, consider any potential pitfalls that could arise with a particular job before starting it yourself.


Evaluate Time and Money Required

lighted ceiling bedroom

A lighted ceiling may take the help of a professional

Another essential factor to consider when deciding if you should DIY or call a pro is time and money. DIY often takes more time than you initially plan for, so be mindful of any deadlines you may have. Also, if the task requires expensive materials or equipment that aren't readily available to you, then it might be better and cheaper to go with a professional.


Familiarize Yourself with Safety Measures

Peel and Stick Wallpaper is a great DIY project

Lastly, specific home improvement tasks can present safety concerns due to the use of hazardous materials or heavy lifting involved in the project. Calling a professional is recommended if this worries you or requires special training to complete safely. Not only will this ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, but it also provides additional peace of mind knowing that a trained technician handled the task.


Potential Risks of DIY Home Projects

palm leaf wallpapered bedroom wall

While there are many benefits to taking on DIY home projects, there are potential risks. If the project is too difficult or complex, you may do more harm than good by trying to do it yourself and making costly mistakes. Also, your project may turn out differently than expected if you have the right tools or materials for the job. Finally, if done correctly, some tasks can be safe.


Signs You Should Call a Professional

modern kids bedroom or office

If you need the knowledge, skills, or tools necessary to complete a project correctly, it's best to call in an expert. Also, if the project involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or other complex systems like plumbing that require particular expertise and certification, then calling in a professional is your safest option. If you have blocked pipes and need to learn how to approach the situation, Clog Wizards might be your only solution.


Benefits of Calling a Professional

Installing a new bathtub may be a great job for a professional

The main benefit of hiring a professional is that they have the experience and expertise necessary to get the job done correctly and efficiently. They also have access to specialized tools required for specific projects, saving you time and money. Lastly, professionals are insured, which means they assume responsibility for any damages caused while working on the project.

DIY projects can be a great way to save money and gain knowledge, but it's essential to know when to call in a professional. Consider your level of experience, access to tools, and safety concerns before taking on any home project.

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C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.

This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.