For handyman (and handywoman) types, it’s the big question: When should you hire a professional?
DIY might seem like the easiest way to get a home project done, but it isn’t always the most cost-effective or safest.
Jody Rohlena of ShopSmart recently shared some tips with CBS News on when DIYers should bring in a pro.
When fixing something that involves electricity, gas, or plumbing, it’s best to play it safe. And even if it seems like a minor issue you can handle yourself, be aware that the fix may hide a bigger problem that a professional would be able to identify.
Tearing down dingy cabinets is something most people can take on. But as fun as demo may seem, it’s probably best to bring in reinforcements for walls. Ever mistakenly ripped through a wall with plumbing or electrical wiring? Not fun.
Even cosmetic jobs like hanging wallpaper could require professional assistance. It’s all about how pricey the paper itself is. If you’ve invested in something extraordinary, you may not want to take any chances.
Creating interest outside the home often is trickier than upgrading the inside, Martin Maca, professor of landscape design at South Dakota State University in Brookings, told Bankrate.com. “You can make some horrendous mistakes and create some maintenance problems down the road that could have been avoided if you’d hired a designer,” he said.
While most folks can handle basic lawn maintenance and painting, trained landscape designers and architects can more easily tackle unusual grade changes and hardscaping. They also can anticipate problems that could evolve over time.
One final, crucial piece of advice from Rohlena: Before hiring a professional, be sure to get referrals from friends and neighbors.
We couldn’t agree more.