There’s nothing like a good home improvement project. Even if you’re smart enough to know when to hire a tradie and when to do-it-yourself, that can still leave you staring at your to-do list with a lot of questions. If your life is in limbo figuring out what contractor should you use or wondering how long it will take to complete the project—you need this blog post.
Whether you are renovating your home, building a new house, or just like doing things around the house, there will be times when you have to call in a tradie. But there are other times when it is better to do the work yourself (DIY).
When to DIY
Why should you do all these projects on your own? you might ask yourself. Is it really necessary to hire a professional for certain jobs? Here are few reasons why we think you should DIY:
1. When You Have Adequate Time and Skills
If you have the time and skills to take on home improvement projects yourself, there are many ways to save money. For example, you can repair or replace your own plumbing or electrical fixtures, paint your own walls, or refinish your own floors. These projects can be done relatively cheaply and will save you money on hiring a professional.
2. When You’re Working with a Small Budget
If you’re working with a small budget, there are still many ways to save money on home improvement projects. For example, you can shop around for used materials, such as appliances, cabinets, or flooring. You can also look for discounts on new materials. Additionally, you can try doing some of the work yourself to save on labor costs.
3. When You Want to Learn More About Your Home
Taking on home improvement projects yourself can also be a great way to learn more about your home. For example, you can learn how to troubleshoot problems with your plumbing or electrical systems. Additionally, you can learn how to properly maintain your home’s structure and finishes. Doing your own home improvement work can give you a better understanding of how your home works and can help you spot problems before they become serious.
4. When You Need to Make Improvements Quickly
If you need to make improvements quickly, such as in the case of damage from a storm or other disaster, you may not have the time to do the work yourself. In this case, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. While this will likely cost more than if you did the work yourself, it will save you time and ensure that the work is done properly.
5. When You Want to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Making your home energy efficient is a great way to save money on your utility bills. There are many ways to do this, such as sealing drafts, insulating your home, or installing energy-efficient windows. While some of these projects may require the help of a professional, others can be done relatively easily and cheaply by the average homeowner.
When to Use a Tradie and When to DIY
We all want to save money where we can, however, there are some home improvement projects that are best left to the professionals. Knowing when to use a tradie and when to DIY can save you time, money and a lot of frustration.
Here are 6 times when you should use a tradie
1. When the Job Is Too Big or Complex
There are some home improvement projects that are just too big or complex to tackle yourself. If a project is going to take up a lot of your time and energy, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. Trying to take on a job that is too big or complex can often lead to more problems than it’s worth.
2. When You Need Specialized Equipment or Skills
Some home improvement projects require specialized equipment or skills that most of us don’t have. If you don’t have the right tools or know-how to do a job properly, it’s best to hire a professional. Trying to do a job without the proper tools or skills can often lead to subpar results.
3. When You Don’t Have the Time
We all have busy lives and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. If you don’t have the time to do a job properly, it’s better to hire someone who does. Trying to rushing through a home improvement project can often lead to mistakes being made.
4. When You Want It Done Right?
Let’s face it, we’re not all handy around the house. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s better to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Trying to do a job yourself when you’re not confident in your abilities can often lead to subpar results.
5. When It’s A Safety Issue
There are some home improvement projects that are just too dangerous to try yourself. If a job involves electrical work, gas lines or anything else that could be potentially hazardous, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Trying to do a job yourself that is potentially dangerous can often lead to serious injury or even death.
6. When You Want to Save Money
Hiring a professional for a home improvement project can often be expensive. If you’re looking to save money, you may be tempted to try and do the job yourself. However, this can often lead to more problems than it’s worth. If you’re not confident in your abilities or don’t have the proper tools, you may end up causing more damage than you fix. This can often end up costing you more money in the long run.
Tradie Fees and How to Save On Them
It can be a struggle for small businesses to find the money for tradie fees.
The tradie fee is the cost of hiring a tradesperson, such as a plumber, electrician or carpenter. Tradies are often hired to do work that needs to be completed urgently or on weekends and public holidays when most businesses are closed. Tradies charge different rates depending on the location, time of day and type of job they’re doing. This can make it difficult to know what you should be paying.
Here are some tips for saving money on tradie fees:
- Get quotes from multiple tradespeople and compare their rates
- Consider using a labour-only contractor instead of hiring an employee
- Get quotes from other businesses in your area who offer the same service as your tradie
- Negotiate with the tradesperson directly and see if they’ll discount their rate
- Ask for a referral from a friend or family member who has used a tradie before.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to home repairs. Whether you should pick up the phone and call a tradie or break open the toolbox is a matter of weighing your needs and requirements. By reading our guide, you will hopefully be able to make an informed decision on what option is best for your circumstance.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to hire a tradie or to do it yourself will vary depending on the project at hand. While getting out your tools may seem like the easier option for smaller home repairs, there are plenty of times where professional help is well worth the money. Just make sure you get a great deal from your tradie!
FAQs
1. What are some red flags that a job is too complex for a DIYer?
If a job is going to take up a lot of your time and energy, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.
2. Can I save money by doing a job myself?
It depends. If you have the time, skills and equipment to do a job properly, then you can save money by doing it yourself. However, if you don’t have the time, skills or equipment, then you could end up spending more money in the long run by trying to do it yourself.
3. How do I know if I need a permit for a home improvement project?
It depends on the project you’re doing. Some home improvement projects, such as building a deck or installing a swimming pool, require a permit. Others, such as painting your house or replacing your roof, may not require a permit.
4. What should I do if I’m not sure if I can do a job myself?
If you’re not sure if you can do a job yourself, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They can assess the job and let you know if it’s something you can do yourself or if it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
5. I’m not handy around the house. Can I still do some home improvement projects myself?
Yes, there are some home improvement projects that even non-handy people can do. These include simple jobs such as painting, hanging pictures and changing light bulbs. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s always best to consult with a professional before starting any project.