When it comes to home renovations, there are a variety of different tasks that you can do yourself, as well as a few home improvement tasks that you should leave to the professionals. These tasks include obtaining permits, costs, and a second set of hands. Before you begin your renovation project, however, it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Below are some tips to help you choose the best course of action for your project.
Do-it-yourself vs. professional
Home renovation projects can be done in many ways – from simple to extensive – and you can save money by doing it yourself. But if you are not familiar with home renovation, it may be best to get a professional to help you. Even small projects can have huge implications, and professional skills and knowledge are essential to ensure a professional result. Depending on the scale of the project, you may even be required to rent a home while the renovation process is taking place.
While doing a renovation project yourself may seem like fun, you should be aware that mistakes can make a big difference. You could end up ruining your home’s appearance or damaging the structure. If you make mistakes, you may have to hire a professional. This could cost you more money in the long run. It is always best to seek professional help when you are uncertain about your abilities. There are many factors that should be considered when choosing a renovation project.
For those living in an apartment complex, licensed contractors are the best bet. Most urban apartment complexes require homeowners to hire professional contractors for certain renovation tasks, and these professionals are licensed and insured. In addition, doing renovation tasks yourself can leave you vulnerable to legal trouble. However, you should always follow the rules and safety regulations when working with a professional. If you’re not sure whether or not you can do the renovations yourself, watch the TV shows Rescue My Renovation and Disaster DIY.
Permits
If you are planning on completing a renovation project, you may wonder whether you need permits or not. This depends on the type of renovation task you plan on doing. Aside from hiring a professional to do the job, permits can also be necessary if you’re doing any work in the structure of the home. In some instances, permits may not even be required for one-room projects, such as replacing a window. However, it’s still recommended to obtain permits for any renovation project that involves extensive demolition or alterations.
Another important reason to get a permit is to protect yourself and your property. Without a permit, the government inspectors can’t inspect your work. In addition, if you plan to sell your home, your lender may refuse to finance the renovation. Failing to acquire permits could slow down the selling process, result in higher costs, and scare off buyers. You’ll be surprised by how many people don’t realize that a renovation project requires a permit.
You may also be wondering whether you need a permit for a project, such as a bathroom remodel. The short answer is: yes. You can do some of it yourself, but it’s usually better to leave it to the professionals. Permits cost money, so you’ll want to be sure to get a professional for the job. Often times, homeowners opt to skip this step in order to save money on expenses.
Costs
While many people are tempted to save money by doing renovations themselves, there are costs involved. Professionals are usually more expensive than DIY projects, so you may want to consider hiring them for certain jobs. A professional may also provide more peace of mind and a better quality end result, but be prepared to pay more upfront. Here are some of the costs of hiring a professional:
General contractors charge roughly 10 to 20 percent of the total cost of the project. This price tag includes the costs of permits, tools, subcontractors, and materials. When hiring a general contractor, it’s best to get several quotes and present a detailed to-do list to get a good idea of their rates. It’s also important to check references and ensure the contractor is qualified and experienced.
Getting a professional contractor is the best way to get the job done quickly and efficiently. In addition to the professional’s expertise, you’ll benefit from a shorter timeline. Depending on the size of the renovation project, you can hire several contractors and save money on their labor. However, you should remember that these costs don’t necessarily mean you can’t complete the renovation yourself. A general contractor will charge $50 an hour, while subcontractors cost between $45 and $200 per hour. A project can cost more than $30,000.
Painting
If you’re tackling a painting project in your home, you should first make sure to plan and organize your space. Before beginning, decide which rooms you’ll be painting and what colors you’ll use. Make sure to select paint that’s suited for your climate and furniture. Ideally, you should get a professional to complete this task, as doing it yourself can result in a lot of mess, stress, and inconvenience.
Getting a professional to paint your home is the best way to maximize the return on your investment. They’ll use all the necessary equipment, paints, and supplies. This will save you a lot of time and money because you won’t have to purchase materials for DIY painting. They’ll also remove all the old paint, wallpaper, and other materials that may be difficult or expensive to obtain.
When it comes to home renovation, painting is one of the easiest and least expensive projects. Painting can change the entire look of the house, both on the interior and exterior. A fresh coat of paint can make your home look brand new. Painting is a great way to change the look of your home and make it more appealing to buyers. You can also get a professional to paint your windows, doors, and exterior.
Wallpapering
If you want a professional job, wallpapering is one of the tasks you should get a professional to do. It requires extensive prep work and you should factor in the time required to prepare the walls for wallpapering. A professional can complete the task in the time allocated. They can also bring the necessary materials, including paint rollers, sponges, and wall-size primers. In addition to the tools needed, they can also provide a tape measure and scissors.
Before hiring a professional, you should understand what you’ll be paying for the work. Costs vary widely, depending on the size of the area to be wallpapered and the complexity of the job. Some wallpapers require more time and materials than others, and you’ll also have to consider the current aesthetic of the room. A professional contractor will know exactly what materials are required for which type of wallpaper, and will be able to quote you a price that is reasonable for the job you’re planning.
The key to a good paint or wallpaper finish is to prepare the wall’s surface properly. You can do this yourself, but if the wallpaper is stubborn, hiring a professional is important. Whether it’s a vinyl wallpaper or a mural, you need to make sure it’s properly prepared for the paint or wallpaper to adhere to the wall. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a ruined wall that doesn’t look good.
Gasfitting
There are many reasons to hire a professional to handle gasfitting tasks, from safety to price. A gas fitting service must be able to offer you a certificate of compliance, which is useful when filing an insurance claim or selling your home. In addition, you must hire a gasfitter with a current license from your province. However, some renovation tasks do not require a building consent, such as a simple low-level deck or replacing a single plumbing fixture.
A qualified gasfitter can install and reconnect your existing home to a natural gas network. They can also work on your gas meter, connect new gas appliances, and install gas-powered appliances. This service is a must for gas appliances, as it involves gas pipes and the safe installation of new ones. In addition, gasfitters can turn off individual appliances if necessary. It is recommended that you contact a certified gasfitter early in the renovation process to avoid problems later.
While plumbers are often considered “general contractors” for renovation projects, gasfitting requires specialized training. Not only do plumbers specialize in water and sewage systems, but they can also install and maintain gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces and hot water heaters. Gas pipes require specialized training and experience, and many plumbers choose to specialize in gas fitting to improve their skill sets and offer a higher level of service.