DIY home improvement or hire a pro?

Do-it-yourself projects (also known as DIY) seem easier than ever. From step-by-step guides to how-to videos online, the most complicated projects can seem as easy as 1-2-3.

Whether you're considering a home or apartment repair, new room decor or just looking for an inspiring new hobby, you may be ready to jump into DIY-ing. Reviewing your options before kicking off the project can help avoid an in-over-my-head moment. Depending on your priorities, one approach may be smarter than the other — from a financial, time-saving or just overall effort standpoint.

However, some projects might require more experience than others and you may end up spending more than you anticipated if the renovation does not go as planned. This is why working with a reliable contractor who has a good track record for quality work can be helpful with more complex renovation projects.

Things to consider before a DIY home renovation or hiring a pro

• How much time is involved? Figure out the approximate time you will spend on the project, including planning, getting permits, purchasing materials and time spent doing the repairs or renovations. If you are juggling a busy schedule at work and home, you may consider time more valuable than the cost of hiring a professional.
• What is the budget? Make a budget for what the project will cost, including the materials and tools you will need to accomplish the renovation. If some of the needed tools are expensive, consider renting them.
• What can go wrong? Try to account for things that might go wrong, such as hitting a gas pipe or scratching floors while doing DIY home improvements. Check with your insurance company to see what your homeowners or renters insurance coverage provides if your work causes damage to your or your landlord's property.
• Is it possible to have a hybrid project? Can you do some of the work yourself and hire a professional for the more complex work?
• What experience will you need? To decide if you should DIY or not, look at the level of complexity involved in the renovation, including the specific knowledge needed for the task. If you are making structural changes, consider hiring a licensed professional.
• Will it be fun? Consider the fun you will have with your project, and if you are willing to put in the time needed to deliver the project.
• Is it safe? Keep your safety in mind before you start the project. If you frequently find yourself dizzy, do you want to get on a ladder to inspect your roof or repair windows? Do you have handy friends who can assist?
• What if your DIY project isn’t perfect? If there are imperfections, will they bother you for years to come? Could an obvious weekend DIY project affect your home’s resale value?

DIY project ideas

DIY home improvement projects typically have more flexibility in renovations. They are usually cosmetic or simple fixes with minimal supplies and don’t require a permit.

• Update kitchen cabinet door fronts — according to Angi, a kitchen remodeling effort can average around $26,000. The total amount spent will depend on the size of the space, layout and materials used.
  • Redo kitchen cabinet doors by repainting or re-staining.
  • Add new knobs to give the most trafficked area in the home a fresh feel.
  • Add organizers and shelving units to pantries, cabinets and under the sink to organize supplies.
• Fix a leaking toilet — leaking toilets can waste large amounts of water and increase your water bill. To help troubleshoot the issue:
  • Inspect the float and inlet valve. As you flush, lift the float arm until the water stops.
  • Tighten the screw at the top of the ballcock so that the level of the float does not rise above the inlet valve.
  • If the water does not stop during earlier steps, you may need to replace the ballcock assembly.
• Add storage to a mudroom — there's no need to work with a custom cabinet manufacturer for a sleek look.
  • Consider installing low-cost, pre-made built-ins of different shapes to create a custom look.
  • Use ready-made open shelving, stacks of drawers and coat hooks to organize shoes, jackets and bags.
• Replace tile grout — grimy tile grout can detract from a home's appearance. To replace grout:
  • Remove existing grout with a grout rake or electric tool.
  • Scrub the area with a stiff-bristle nylon brush to remove loose debris.
  • Use a grout float to smear new grout across the surface and into the joints.
  • After 20 minutes, clean the area with a grout sponge.
  • Once the grout has cured, apply a sealer.
• Add curb appeal — eager to spruce up the front of your home? It could be easier than you think. Even a few simple touches can give visitors a great first impression.
  • Re-paint your front door or garage door.
  • Add easy-to-maintain landscaping or place potted planters near the front entrance.
  • Add solar lights to give your home a warm evening ambiance.
  • For bigger projects that involve new landscaping, you may want the insights of a landscape pro.
• Patch drywall — to fix a hole in the wall:
  • Remove loose drywall behind and around the hole.
  • Sand the edges of the hole.
  • Adhere a wall-hole patch over the hole.
  • Apply drywall-patching compound to the patch and surrounding wall.
  • Sand the area once it's dry.
  • Spray the area with wall texture spray (if needed) and add a fresh coat of matching paint.
• Apply new paint — a DIY paint job can be a great way to save money. Whether you're looking to repaint bedrooms or simply cover scuff marks in the hallway:
  • Prepare the surfaces before starting the painting process.
  • In-store paint professionals can help you choose the ideal finishes for each type of room.
• Replace tiles — replacing tiles in a small space can be a fun project with an instant wow factor. When replacing tiles, don’t forget to purchase items such as tile cutters, adhesive and a utility knife to get a pro look.
• Perform minor electrical work — replacing a light switch, electrical outlet, swapping light fixtures and installing ceiling fans can typically be done within a day, but always remember to shut off the electricity to that part of the home!

When to call the professionals

Before you start a project or home renovation, create a to-do list. Take a comprehensive look at the entire project from start to finish, considering factors such as material cost, resources, time, labor costs and timeframes. This to-do list can be helpful in determining if it's worth the investment to have someone think strategically about the whole project.

A professional can help ensure the job is done right and meets standard code requirements to help protect the value of your home. Some contractors may offer guarantees or warranties for the service they provide. This is something to consider when searching for the right contractor. Before hiring out, do your research and be aware of any home repair scams.

• Bathroom remodel — bathrooms can be tricky to renovate because of the small size and the numerous pricey components involved. Even in a small space, installing new plumbing and removing aging fixtures can take days. For a quicker revamp, consider replacing lighting or adding extra storage to create a well-lit and organized space.
• Specialized projects — consider a professional if there is any major structural, gas, plumbing or electrical work needed for your home repair or renovation because that type of work typically requires permits and possibly an inspector to verify the work is properly and safely completed. For example:
  • Electrical repairs — if your outlets, switches or electric system are showing signs of needing to be rewired, an electrician can assist with the project.
  • Lead paint removal — for homes built before 1978, a professional can assist with identifying the areas of your home that need lead paint removed and repainted.
  • Plumbing repairs — due to the risk of gas, electrical or water issues, a licensed plumber should handle any plumbing or water heater repairs.
  • Major structural repairs — when changing the structure of a home, a general contractor might involve a structural engineer to help ensure the electrical or plumbing is not damaged during the renovation.
  • Roofing repairs or replacement — a professional roofer can help you select roofing materials that are engineered to stand up to harsh weather conditions.

What to do now

Your decision to tackle a new project or leave it to the pros is just that — yours! It might vary by type of project, or what your time and wallet dictate, but taking into consideration the whole picture can help you make the best decision for you.

If you decide to DIY, take a look at these home maintenance tips for some friendly advice for home improvement. And if you are preparing to sell your home, you may want to find ways to help improve your home's worth with these appraisal tips.