Oakland, CA - Tips on Investing in Working with a Remodeling Company vs. DIY

Remodeling your home, even just one room in your home, isn’t going to be cheap. While there are ways to stick to, or even go below, your budget, sometimes doing the work yourself can help you save money.

But engaging in DIYs isn’t always the best or most affordable option overall. It ultimately depends on multiple factors. If you’re caught between doing a DIY remodel or sticking with a remodeling company, read on for some advice.

Consider All Associated Costs

The costs of engaging in a DIY home remodel go way beyond just the cost of materials. Just because you aren’t paying someone else to do the work doesn’t mean there still isn’t labor cost and other expenses.

Associated costs when doing your own remodel include:

• New tools

• Your time

• Any unpaid time off work you might take

• Work you have to redo due to mistakes

• Permit fees and/or re-inspection fees

• Waste disposal

Is the potential of trimming down the initial costs the sacrifice you want to make instead of working alongside a reputable remodeling company?

Be Honest About Your Skills

When deciding between remodeling on your own or choosing a professional to get the job done, consider your current skillset.

If you have few skills in the world of construction or remodeling, engaging in your own DIY will likely end up taking significantly longer and cost more than you planned for. There will be a lot of time spent on learning the process, along with the potential for mistakes to be made along the way, which can be time-consuming and expensive to fix.

On the other hand, if you are relatively skilled when it comes to remodeling, your investment would be best put towards DIYing part of or the entire remodel process – as long as you have enough time on your hands.

Get Quotes Before Considering a DIY

Sometimes you think doing a remodel on your own will end up being the cheaper option. While it might in some cases, there are drawbacks to doing everything yourself. Things might not be as precise, the project may take longer to complete, and it may be harder to stay on budget. You have to ask yourself if you’re willing to take the risk.

Meanwhile, professional remodeling companies aren’t just priced the way they are for profitability purposes. Their costs consider their time efficiency, skillset, knowledge, use of proper tools and materials, solid project management, and compliance with local codes.

Nonetheless, you might still desire the result costing the least amount of money upfront. When you aren’t sure if a DIY or hiring a company will be more affordable, always ask for a quote from a construction company. Compare it to your own quote for cost of materials, also considering your personal time you’ll be putting into the DIY.

Know When It’s Time to Leave it to a Pro

It’s easy to believe you can get away with a DIY remodel. While we don’t doubt you, you might find yourself biting off more than you can chew. Between obtaining the proper permits, sticking to local codes, coming up with the layout and design of your space, and finding time to implement it all, it can be exhausting.

Truth be told, sometimes going the professional route can actually save you money – or at least the time and headache which come with doing your own remodel.

Whether you’re hesitant about engaging in a remodel on your own or are stuck in the middle of DIY, Build BLVD would love to help you out.

Reach out to our construction experts today to get a free quote.