DIY Remodeling vs Professional Remodeling

Deciding whether to DIY a remodeling project or leave it to a professional is a matter of weighing the risks and rewards, time, and budget. Before you start applying a new coat of paint or go about knocking down a wall, create a plan for your remodel to help you decide which projects you can handle, and which ones belong in the hands of a pro.

Create Your Remodeling Plan

Knowing your plans for your remodel will help to determine your timeline and budget, which will inform your DIY-vs-Pro decision-making. Set specific goals for each project so you’ll know when you’re getting off track but remain flexible in your planning to leave room for any unexpected hurdles that will inevitably pop up in the remodeling process. Your budget will also help you decide who should execute certain projects. For example, if you’re budgeting more for a kitchen remodel than any other project, that is a likely candidate for professional help.

If you’re having trouble deciding the best route to take with your remodeling projects, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What risks am I comfortable taking on?
  • How much time am I willing to dedicate to this project?
  • Does this project require a permit?
  • Do I have any experience with this kind of remodel?
  • Am I comfortable giving up control of this project?

 

DIY Remodeling Pros and Cons

Pros: Taking a DIY approach to remodeling projects pays dividends in many ways. Without having to pay labor costs, you stand to save significant money by tackling a project on your own. Going DIY also allows you to set your own schedule for the project. And of course, the sense of ownership and pride you will feel knowing you completed the project on your own is a priceless feeling for a homeowner.

Cons: DIY projects can be consequential. Mistakes at any point in the renovation process can lead to greater costs and sometimes, hiring a professional to fix the mistake. Unfortunately, this can result in the loss of significant time and money.

 

Professional Remodeling Pros and Cons

Pros: Professionals are inherently more experienced, bringing their specialization to the table on every home renovation project, so you can expect them to perform high-quality work that will increase the value of your home.

Cons: Getting professional quality work means paying for it. When budgeting, expect higher costs for any project you’re thinking of outsourcing to a pro. Bear in mind that, especially for large-scale renovation projects, your home will become a construction site. Accordingly, you may need a back-up plan, such as a temporary kitchen set-up or a short-term rental home .

 

DIY Remodeling vs Professional Remodeling: Around the House

The following list breaks down which projects are typical DIY candidates and which ones homeowners commonly opt for professional help to complete. However, the decision is ultimately up to you. If you have your heart on tackling a project on your own, gather your tools and make it happen!

Kitchen

  • Professional: Any large-scale structural changes, new gas lines, or new plumbing projects should be handled by a professional.
  • DIY: Simpler kitchen projects like a backsplash or faucet replacement and any cabinet finishing tasks are perfect DIY candidates.

Bathroom

  • Professional: Plumbing installation, running electricity, or any projects involving an expansion or alteration to your bathroom structure.
  • DIY: If your bathroom is simply in need of some new tile work, basic medicine cabinet restoration, or minor flooring improvements, roll up your sleeves and DIY.

Backyard

  • Professional: Consider hiring a professional for any significant outdoor projects like concrete builds, in-ground pools, and technical deck work.
  • DIY: Common backyard DIY projects include building a garden tool shed, building a fence, and refinishing a deck.

General

  • Professional: It is best to hire pros for new roofing, any foundation work, and extensive demolition projects. For asbestos and drywall finishing, it’s easiest, and safest, to go with the pros.
  • DIY: Any interior painting projects, basic electrical work, or simple trim and door upgrades.

If you’re planning on going through a remodel while you live at home, read this first. For more information on how certain renovations may impact the value of your home, talk to your Windermere agent.

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Charming Ranch Style Home in Berthoud!

Qualifies for USDA loan! Desirable brick ranch with 3 bedrooms / 2 baths. Located at 1207 Cedar Drive, in Berthoud on a very low traffic/quiet street with a huge center grass median and mature landscaping. Feels super fresh inside with the newer laminate floors, carpet, and interior paint. Half a block walk to Berthoud Elementary and very close to downtown Berthoud. Inviting sunroom with built-in storage leads to backyard with a dog run. No HOA with room to park the RV or trailer, 3 off-street parking spaces. 15 min to Downtown Loveland – great location. Contact Meagan Griesel at (970) 691-0056 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/111553414

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Terrific Two Story Home in Fort Collins!

Beautiful home in Village East subdivision in central Fort Collins! Updated throughout with new flooring, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, and remodeled bathrooms. Dining room and kitchen area have been opened up to provide a fantastic space! This home has been lovingly cared for and it shows. There is a huge backyard with immaculate landscaping, and a deck to enjoy the wonderful Fort Collins evenings. Have fun at the neighborhood pool as well! Come see this home that offers amazing features for the price! Contact Paul Hunter at (970) 673-7285 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/109340189

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Stunning Home with Majestic Mountain Views in Timnath!

This stunning home located in the desirable Wild Wing area at 2648 Majestic Views Dr with a fresh and modern design includes an open floor plan and large kitchen with stainless steel appliances, over-sized island and 10′ cabinets all opening up to a 13′ great room which showcases space for entertaining, including a large 10′ basement complete with full wet bar and daylight windows giving you extra light! Enjoy the fantastic deck and backyard that opens to a beautiful green belt for extra breathing room. Contact Jacqueline Feil for your private showing at 970-402-7509 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/83419102

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Multi Family Unit in Fort Collins!

Check out this great investment multi family living unit in good shape at 510 N Shields St. Bonus carriage house in backyard with separate utilities. Please call listing agent for details. Currently rented to 2 tenants. Buyer will take ownership of lease. Potential to Gross $42,000/yr in income. Contact Kyle Basnar for your private showing at 970-481-5689 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/82965108

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Wonderful Mountain Views in Windsor!

Better than new ranch style home at 657 Clarendon Dr in desirable Windshire Park! Enjoy mountain views from your front porch or relax in the peace and quiet of your backyard. New flooring, updated appliances and a new back splash for the kitchen, pride of ownership is in this home. Enjoy the neighborhood pool & park or enjoy walking on the neighborhood trails, the choice is yours. Full unfinished basement offers lots of options for expansion. Contact Jennifer Cuningham for your private showing at 970-646-1921 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/82245824

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Beautiful Mountain Views in Loveland!

This single family home at 303 Tahoe Dr built in 2017 offers an open floor plan with wood floors, granite counter tops in the kitchen and stainless steel appliances, a main floor study and mud room. Laundry is located on the 2nd floor with a large master suite, 5 piece master bath and three additional bedrooms. There is room to grow in a full unfinished basement plus a spacious fenced backyard on a corner lot. Call Natalie Abraham for your private showing at 970-815-1347 or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/78720077

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Immaculate Ranch Style Home in Timnath!

The open floor plan at 5337 School House Dr  has a spacious great room and dining area just off of the kitchen. Granite counter tops and stainless appliances compliment the newly installed engineered hardwood floors. An epic theater room in the basement paired with the wet bar, guest room and full bath will keep your guests comfortable. The alley loaded south facing over-sized 2 car garage has access to the back yard patio covered by a beautiful pergola with an exterior TV. Call Brandon Myers for your private showing at 970-217-6423 or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/79313371

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