3 Reasons Why You Should Not Attempt Home Remodeling on Your Own

What crafty, home-loving person doesn’t want to make changes to their home from time to time? Paint colors, furniture, flooring, and countertops soon become outdated and it’s time for an upgrade. But what happens when you need more space, say an extra bedroom built on, or maybe you want to turn your living room/kitchen/dining space into one, large open-concept room? These projects can require a little more skill and should not always be attempted on your own… and here’s why:

#1: Home remodels are illegal without a permit.

Now, if you’re a construction worker, contractor, or you just so happen to have a building permit, then you’re fine, but your major home remodeling projects can actually be illegal without the proper permit. Building permits are project approvals that verify that a building inspector has approved your home remodeling project and they meet building codes, as well as local ordinances. Permits are put in place to ensure that a dwelling structure or other building is safe for use once construction or remodeling has been completed. You can definitely apply for a permit to do these tasks on your own, but it is not recommended if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

It’s important to note here that there certainly are home projects you can do on your own and without a permit, but these are likely home renovations and not home remodeling projects. Home renovations refer to things like replacing kitchen and bathroom countertops, laying/removing carpet or any other type of flooring, and even painting your walls. Home remodeling projects are the tougher tasks, such as tearing down a wall. Any structural change you make to your home is a remodel and almost always requires a permit.

#2: They’re not as easy as they seem.

Many home improvement TV programs show the ease of home remodelings, and maybe show some minor struggles. There’s actually a lot more that goes into home remodeling than what is sometimes shown on TV. There are many other things to take into consideration, such as the cost. First, there’s the cost of the permit, which can be several hundred dollars. Then there’s the cost of all of the materials and special tools needed to carry out the remodeling process. For many, it may be easier to hire a general contractor.

Hiring a general contractor for your Home Remodeling project can prove to be highly beneficial in the long run. They know what they are doing, how they can approach certain tasks, and understand time constraints as well as when to ask for additional support. Once you have picked a contractor, it is essential that you sit down with them multiple times throughout the process to discuss next steps and how to navigate them.

#3: They usually require more skills than most people possess.

Many home remodeling projects are done best by contractors, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers. Minor plumbing and carpentry work can be done by any individual with working knowledge of these things, but all electrical work should be done by skilled electricians. Also, any type of construction work can be physically taxing on the human body, even for professional construction workers. There is definitely a lot to think about before you try to attempt a major remodel on your own.

If home renovation and remodeling is your passion, then there is the option to become more skilled at this trade. An Associate degree in general contracting only takes about two years to complete, with yearly (give or take) licensing updates and continued learning courses. General contractors also make pretty good money, so this could be a really successful career path for those who have a passion for home improvement and construction.

With major home remodeling, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals to make sure the work is done efficiently and properly. However, if you can’t get enough of home improvement, there’s no harm in formally learning how to do these projects yourself.