The only thing better than showing off your new home remodel is being able to show off your handiwork as well. But how do you decide if going DIY or hiring a contractor is the right decision for you? In this article we will take a look at everything involved in a home remodel you need to know ahead of time. You will determine whether you have the knowledge, skill set, and tools to complete your home remodel successfully.
It’s a great feeling to see something beautiful your own two hands created. It’s even better if that beautiful thing is a part of your home and you get to enjoy it every day. But what if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would? What if your project is more complicated than you expect and you mess something up? You don’t want to get caught in this situation and not know how to get out of it. Let’s start by looking at the home remodel’s scope of work.
Your Home Remodel Project’s Scope
Every remodel is different from the rest. A project’s scope of work is the details of what will take place in the remodel. For example, a kitchen remodel involves updating the cabinets, possibly changing the floors, and installing the appliances. Compare that to updating your living room where all the work will be done on walls, floor, and lighting.
Once you know what you want to have done, you can think about what tasks must be performed to get the best result. The details that go into it may be things you don’t know much about, but are willing to learn. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself. Hopefully it helps get you thinking about anything else you want to know. Don’t get discouraged, but instead look at these topics as challenges you WILL overcome!
This article will walk you through the stages of starting a remodel if you are not yet familiar with the process. Learn what you need to know first by reading this article.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to DIY a Home Remodel
Do I understand the techniques required for this project?
If I get stuck, do I have someone to call for help?
Does this project involve electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural changes?
Will I need permits or inspections?
Do I already own the tools needed? Can I rent or buy the ones I need?
Do I have enough time each week to work on it without rushing?
Have I calculated the full cost of materials, tools, and potential rework?
Does the project require specialized knowledge (tiling, framing, plumbing, etc.)?
Am I comfortable with imperfections if they occur?
Do I enjoy hands-on problem-solving, or will this project create unnecessary stress?
DIY Skills Growth Ladder
These questions are important to ask before starting a project like this. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet. You can learn as you go, and gain new skills along the way. This means you will be taking more time to complete tasks than someone who already knows the answers to these questions. You may not have the same level of attention to detail as them yet, which can be okay if you are willing to accept less than professional results.
If you are new to DIY, it’s recommended you start small and work up from there. Start with looking at your skillset, and the tools you already own. You’re going to grow both of these. This can be done by doing work you already know how to do, but add a little more complexity to it. Get only the required tools for the job.
Begin with thinking of what additions you want to make on the home in the long run. Are there any of them that can be broken up into smaller chunks? An example of this can be found in a bathroom remodel. If you want to do a complete bathroom overhaul, can you just start with installing a new vanity? This will include a countertop and sink as well.
Once the vanity is done maybe you can move on to painting the walls, and upgrading the lighting. Breaking it up into manageable chunks will give you small wins that work up to a larger goal of a full bathroom remodel. This will give you an idea of how quickly you work, and what you can accomplish in your free time.
There are certain projects that require a professional. If you want a granite or quartz countertop for your vanity, you will need a professional to install one. If you don’t know much about electrical, don’t start taking apart the wiring. Some aspects of electrical and plumbing should only be done by professionals. Both of these areas have some portions that require permits to make sure it’s done safely.
Cost Savings of DIY vs. Potential Hidden Costs
Are you taking this on because you want to save some money? It’s okay if you are. But you also need to be willing to work hard, and push through frustrating moments. There will be times in every remodel that aren’t fun. To get through these moments you must be willing to stay focused on the right tasks, and not give up early.
Examples of when hiring a professional can save money:
- When mistakes are expensive to fix
- When specialized tools are expensive to buy or rent
- When precision matters for resale
- When speed is crucial
- When safety risks are high
- When the job requires multiple trades
- When material waste is expensive
There are a few areas of DIY that may cause the budget to grow. Being a beginner means you will be making mistakes along the way. That’s a normal part of learning new things. These mistakes can become more expensive than you realize when they involve materials that are expensive, or difficult to replace.
Below is a list of common areas an inexperienced DIY remodeler may end up spending more. These are generalizations that refer to people who have little to no experience in the subject. It does not include someone who has been doing this type of work and has learned the skill.
When DIY Becomes Expensive:
Tile Work (Showers, Floors, Backsplashes)
Electrical Work
Plumbing (especially relocating lines)
Drywall Finishing
Cabinet Installation
Flooring (especially hardwood or tile)
Waterproofing (bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms)
Structural Work (removing walls, opening spaces)
Windows & Exterior Doors
Roofing Work
When you move forward with this project, you can expect to allocate the majority of your budget in a few main areas. The first is the materials you will be purchasing. These materials must be purchased no matter what. The difference is you will be the one that sources them yourself, versus having a contractor do it for you. Once you find the ones you want, you will need to transport them to your home. This can be difficult with larger items if you don’t have proper means to transport them. You will also need to have a place to store them at your home for a period of time before installing.
The next main expense for a do-it-yourselfer is finding the time to do the work. You must put it in your calendar because if not it will drag out and eventually be forgotten about. Everything else in your life is fighting for your time. The home remodel must be brought close to the front if you want it to be completed. Think of the finish line, and focus on that.
DIY is a great option if you know what you are doing, or are eager to learn. There are many new skills and knowledge you will pick up along the way. You must have access to the right knowledge, enough time, and the right tools for the job.
Tools, Equipment, and Workspace
As stated before, each home remodel is different from the next. That means they may require a different set of tools as well. Some of these tools are common ones each homeowner already has, while others are designed for a specific task.
Hand tool starter set:
Power tool starter set:
When you find yourself tackling a project that needs a specific tool, one option is to find a place that rents them. This can be feasible when a few questions are first considered. Are you going to need the tool for longer than a few days? Is it something you might use at a later date, let’s say within a year or two?
Rentals charge by the hour or the day. If it’s a tool you can finish up with in a few hours, it could be worth renting. But if you are using it for a major part of the remodel and will need it throughout, it’s more likely a better idea to purchase one.
There becomes an issue with buying things that don’t get used much if your storage space is limited. If you don’t have a good place to keep it long term, it will be in the way. A solution for this is to buy the tool and use it for the job, then when you are done sell it. Some cities have tool libraries. If you have one in your area you may donate it there, if they don’t already have one. If they do, borrow it from them instead of buying it.
Time Commitment and Project Timeline
The project timeline is as important a tool as anything else in your tool belt. Setting up a timeline is going to keep you motivated and less distracted. With no timeline you run the risk of delays, and eventually having an unfinished remodel that you must “live with”.
When deciding to do most or all the work yourself, one thing to remember is the home remodel will take longer than hiring a pro. You should give yourself more time because you won’t be working on it full time. You have a job, family, and down time to factor in.
DIY Time Frame
Demolition: 1-7 days
Structural Work: 1-3 weeks
Rough-in (plumbing, electrical): 1-3 weeks
Insulation/Drywall: 1-2 weeks
Flooring/Trim: 1-3 weeks
Cabinets/Fixtures: 1-2 weeks
Finishing Touches: 2-7 days
Total DIY Timeline Range
Small project: 3–6 weeks
Medium remodel: 2–3 months
Large/full-room remodel: 3–6+ months
There is a bit of overlap in the above timeline. Some of the projects will be worked on simultaneously. Other items may not be required for your job at all. Use this information to get an idea of what to expect.
Also keep this in mind when deciding to do the work yourself. It might get to be more stressful when doing a kitchen remodel if you don’t have full access to the appliances and running water. A bathroom remodel can be hard on your family if it means you will be down one shower for a few months longer.
This is the best advantage of having a contractor that does the work for you. While still requiring some time to complete the job, it should be significantly less than the DIY route. If you are remodeling an area of your home like the kitchen or bathroom I recommend looking into using a contractor to get the job done in a reasonable time. You will need to include this expense in your budget.
If you are trying to save some money by going the DIY route, ask your contractor if there is anything you can do to help save some costs. This can be done in the interview phase of hiring your ideal contractor.
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
For someone who is new to home remodels, it’s not a bad idea to get a contractor involved. Having a professional on site is an opportunity for you to gain knowledge from someone who does this type of work on a regular basis. This can be a priceless opportunity if you have the right shoulder to look over.
That’s why I created the Hiring The Ideal Contractor Checklist. It’s a free checklist designed to walk you through the steps of finding, interviewing, and hiring the ideal contractor. You don’t want to hire someone who might be dishonest or difficult to work with.
Once you pick the right contractor, you want to be up front with them about your involvement. Tell them what areas you are most comfortable in. Maybe it will be the demolition, and painting for this one. The main issue a contractor will have with this idea is they know you will take more time than they would. If they are on a tight timeline, they will need you to meet deadlines on time. They have other jobs and wont want to jeopardize them.
Conclusion
Deciding if DIY versus hiring a contractor is right for your home remodel is an important thing to think about. It’s a great idea to do a home remodel yourself, if you are comfortable with it. There are many aspects that must first be thought about to make sure it is the right call for you.
I suggest starting small if you haven’t done much work like this yet. Get used to working with the tools and building confidence along the way. This is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, and feel great about yourself doing so.
Thank you for reading this article on the Remodel Upgrade blog. Here I am dedicated to helping you turn your home into your own private sanctuary!
You Got This,
Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!
