DIY vs. Professional: Which Home Projects Should You Do Yourself?

There’s something so satisfying about a successful DIY project — the joy of creating or fixing something with your own hands paired with the fact that you’re saving money by doing it yourself makes for a heady mix of fulfillment. 

But before you go ripping out walls and rewiring light fixtures, it’s important to take stock of the complexity of the project and your own skill set. Whether you plan to renovate your entire home or just fix up part of one room, you’ll want to make a smart choice between doing it yourself or hiring and paying a pro. These tips can help you decide.

When to Try DIY

Choosing to DIY a home project is almost always cheaper, but it's important to consider the type of job at hand. A good rule of thumb is to save DIY for smaller, less complex home improvement projects, especially if you’re a novice when it comes to home repairs. These might include things like:

1. Painting an Interior Room

Painting a room in your home is a reasonably straightforward DIY job at home — especially if the walls are in good shape and the ceilings aren't unusually high. It's also considerably cheaper than hiring a professional and doesn’t require a ton of equipment.

1. Replacing a Faucet

Whether your current faucet has sprung a leak or you’d simply like to update the fixture to match your style, you can usually handle this one on your own, especially if your new faucet has the same whole configuration.

1. Installing Shelves

Adding a few shelves is a quick and easy project that can improve both the function and the form of your space through the use of decorative storage.

When to Call in the Pros

It’s always best to outsource any home repairs that could affect your family’s well-being or that would be expensive to correct if not done right. If a home renovation project is dangerous or complex, or it needs to be finished quickly, consider calling a professional. Examples include:

1. Any Electrical Work

There’s a reason why electricians need to be licensed. If a misstep might make your home unsafe — faulty electrical wiring that could cause a fire, for example — it’s not worth the risk of doing it yourself. 

1. Painting the Exterior of Your House

Even for homes with small footprints, painting the outside of a house is a big job and typically requires more extensive equipment than a simple interior paint job. 

1. Fixing Broken or Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can lead to flooding and issues with drywall, flooring, insulation and more if the problem isn’t taken care of quickly. If you are confident in your home repair abilities you may be able to replace a worn pipe yourself, but a safer bet is to contact a plumber for assistance, especially if the repair involves your service lines.

Don’t DIY Your Homeowners Insurance

Your home is more than just a structure; it’s where your family’s story begins. It’s also your biggest investment, which is why it is crucial to have the right coverage. Get in touch with a Farm Bureau agent today and keep your house protected for years to come.