1. Structural elements. Beams, footers, headers etc. — these are the unglamorous and often hidden parts of a home that are critical to its long-term stability and safety. Don't take chances with structural components. Everything should be drawn or approved by an engineer, whose specifications should be followed to the letter.
by Webber + Studio, Architects
2. Electrical. Here's another one where safety and skill intersect. Poor wiring can be a safety hazard — just because you were able to wire something up and it worked, doesn't mean you haven't created a safety hazard. If you aren't confident you have the knowledge to perform the needed work and assess the implications of your work on the rest of the circuit and panel, call in a professional.
by Re:Vision Architecture
3. Roofing. Here's a good example of a project where even if you feel you have the skills to perform the task safely and properly, you may not be able to complete the project in a short enough period of time to avoid exposing your home to damage from rain. If you can't get your roofing project done in a couple days, don't start it. Even professionals can underestimate the time a project will take to complete, so you may want to double your estimate.
by Dungan Nequette Architects
4. Plumbing. A clogged drain line and a faucet that needs to be replaced are tasks that you know you can complete. Before you do either yourself, though, think about the true cost.
What is your time worth? Do you have the tools? If you end up renting a drain snake from the home center that doesn't work when you get it home, and you need to make another trip before you even clear the drain, you may lose much of a precious Saturday.
by JAC Interiors What is your time worth? Do you have the tools? If you end up renting a drain snake from the home center that doesn't work when you get it home, and you need to make another trip before you even clear the drain, you may lose much of a precious Saturday.
5. Insulation. Certain types of insulation, such as spray foam, should be left to the professionals. Many people assume that installing batt insulation like fiberglass is an easy project, but there is a lot of room for error here. If you leave gaps you can create spots that draw heat and moisture into your walls — a bad combination. Even if you do the job well, it's messy work. Plus, insulation contractors get a much better deal on the material costs than you would, offsetting the labor savings of a DIY project.
6. Carpentry. Even if you have the skills to complete the project, professional carpenters will have the tools and experience to get the job done quickly. If you are trying to complete the project on a part-time basis, remember to factor in setup and cleanup time. Working a full day is often much more efficient than an hour here and there.
by Kenny Grono
6. Carpentry. Even if you have the skills to complete the project, professional carpenters will have the tools and experience to get the job done quickly. If you are trying to complete the project on a part-time basis, remember to factor in setup and cleanup time. Working a full day is often much more efficient than an hour here and there.
7. Masonry. This is one that bridges all four factors — if there is a structural component to the masonry project (and there usually is), safety is a concern. The scale of projects involving stone, brick and concrete can be deceiving. Make sure you know what you're getting into. Wrestling a heavy stone into place and making it look good takes years to master. When you factor in all of this, the cost of paying for good work can be a bargain.
by Ike Kligerman Barkley
8. Wallpaper. There isn't much room for error here. You have to get it right the first time. You're drawing attention to the wall by dressing it up, so it had better look good. You wouldn't pay an arm and a leg for a beautiful fabric and then make a sloppy-looking dress, so don't buy a gorgeous paper and put it up with misaligned seams and bad corners.
by Design Manifest
9. Tile. The pace of tile installation is slower than that of wallpaper, and there is a lot of contemplation that goes into a good tile installation. If you aren't experienced, you may discover something you should have thought about when it's too late. You also want to prep correctly. Tiles are all different and require different approaches to installation. Your DIY tile floor may look good when it's done, but can you be sure it will hold up and not crack in a year or two? If you are confident about that, go for it. If not, call a professional.
by Kenny Grono
10. Painting. I know, it sounds ridiculous — if you can't paint, what DIY project can you do? Keep in mind, I'm not here to stop you from painting your own house. Just consider that a good, lasting paint job takes a lot of prep work. Sometimes this can involve wall repair, scraping paint (which can be a health risk if it's lead paint), priming and caulking over old finishes with various products. Depending on what you're working with, you may need someone with more experience to help.
Next: The 10 Hats Your General Contractor Wears
by Crisp Architects Next: The 10 Hats Your General Contractor Wears
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We often started a project with enthusiasm but realized over time that the work takes so much longer than we expected because we often had to pause and recuperate. At the end of the day, when only a part of the work had been done, all muscles were sore and we just wanted to plop onto the sofa and never get up again. This may not happen when you paint or hang wallpaper, but definitely when a project requires odd postures like bending, being on your knees or working overhead for hours.
I agree with "lowprofile". The wiring is not difficult, but it needs to be securely attached to the ceiling joists so that it doesn't wobbly or fall some day
Just yesterday I visited a client who want's to have re-tiled their kitchen floor. After one hour explaining to them what else would be necessary and how to proceed to ensure that their new floor will be flat, even in level and for sure not crack the owner said. "It all makes sense to me, and I thought the most expensive part would be the tiles..." There will be approximately at least 20 hours just for preparation work necessary. Furthermore they picked the wrong tiles for a kitchen. They would be not happy with the result once installed. So at the end the owner was very happy for all the advices and tips and finally they will look for a more appropriate title.
Regards.
3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca
Electrical is a DIY, as long as you are just running Romex from the box. Installing a new breaker box, definitely call over an Electrician friend.
Painting, DIY for touchup areas or one room at a time.
Carpentry also DIY as long as you have a mitresaw and a tablesaw.
Kenny this is one (or 10) where we agree.
Don't be afraid of a task, but keep your learning projects simple, and if the damage that could be caused might involve an insurance claim, hire some one and move the liability.
You wrote: "...Here are the tips we've gotten, tiling is pretty easy for floors and walls, but call a professional for the showerpan, that's nothing to mess around with, an error in that is costly so get it done right the first time..."
I wouldn't agree to this statement. Tile-setting may look pretty easy however there are a lot of things you can do wrong. And doing just one of them wrong could be already enough to let your tile installation fail.
It start's with the the tile layout, goes on with the proper surface preparation, choosing the appropriate thinset for your specific job (It is for a reason why the thinset manufactures produce so many different types of thinset) using the right technique to apply and trowel the thinset, as well as embedding the tiles properly.
I am not talking about how handy the DIY is. Many DIY has done often a very good looking job because they take the time to make it really nice. I am talking about the missing knowledge. And this is the reason why people go to school to learn a trade. Over there they learn also to understand the physics and the chemical reactions. To practice tile setting is another thing. This part will go better and better the more you set tiles. You'll learn from every optical and also major mistake.
But honestly do you really want to take the risk of re-tiling your kitchen floor or powder room if something goes wrong? And do avoid the second time the same mistake, you'll probably call a professional. So at the end you will pay more if you would let do it by a professional right from the beginning. Just do the math. (tiles + setting material + your time) + (rip off and dispose + new tiles + more expensive setting material + labor cost for professional) The mess you'll get again is at no charge. ☺
Here's my advice:
If you are pretty handy and don't fear to do a tiling job, please consult a professional before you start doing anything to make sure you do it right from the beginning an. Here on Houzz are lots of people who are willing to help. For all others, save yourself time, money and also lots of headache and let a professional do the job.
Cheers Bertram
Merry Christmas - Bertram
Now I am entertaining the idea of adding another level to my home and would not dream of tackling any of it myself. Your tips are golden. Thank you so much.