Few projects show up as often on a couple's dream list as does home remodeling. Almost every homeowner wants to make her house larger, more attractive, or more livable. But the subject of money invariably comes up whenever talk turns to home improvement.
That in turn leads to the benefits of "sweat equity;" i.e. doing the work yourself. But is the chance to realize your dreams worth the blood, sweat, and possibly tears that come with going DIY? Some say "no," others say "maybe." But which answer is right for you? Let's review what you must consider before answering that question.
What Does the Government Say?
Local and state rules for DIY projects differ like night and day, depending on what part of the planet you call home. Some locales are like the Wild West: do whatever you like. Other cities make George Orwell's Big Brother look like a libertarian. Most communities are somewhere in the middle. Find out which is the case in your area before tackling a job that might get you in big trouble.
What Does Your Heart Say?
How would you rate your motivation to remodel your home? Is your desire for a bigger bathroom strong enough to sustain you through the long hours and days ahead? Or are you likely to call it quits in the middle of the job? Being honest with yourself about this question is crucial to your success. If in doubt, then let the pros handle the work.
What Does Your Back Say?
Where the spirit is willing, the flesh is, all too often, rather weak. Sore knees, aching backs, sprained elbows and pulled muscles have brought the curtain down on many a DIY project long before it neared completion.
This is another question in which absolute, brutal honesty is the best policy. The cost for deceiving yourself may include serious injury or even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What Does Your Family Say?
A major remodel can bring discord to even the most harmonious home. How will your partner feel if that new kitchen takes two or three Christmas seasons to complete? Are your kids okay with the dust, dirt, and discord that will accompany your journey to added cabinet space?
You can also look at the matter from the opposite perspective. Are you comfortable with strangers treading across your living room floors for several weeks, as often happens when you hire a pro? Will your lifestyle suffer as a result? These are pressing matters to consider.
What Does Your Budget Say?
You may not save as much as you think by doing the work yourself. The only way to ensure you're making the budget-smart choice is to crunch the numbers. For example, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to remodel a bathroom in Austin is $6,040 - $14,604 and takes around 4 - 5 weeks to complete.
Of course, you'll also need to figure in the cost of borrowing money (if you plan to finance the work), the effect on your home's value, and the value of your labor vs. putting in more hours at your regular job. That may sound like a lot of calculating; and it is. But the rewards are more than worth the effort.
Residential remodeling is a great way to get more value from your home. But, like any major decision, you should always do your homework first. That's the best way to ensure you come out ahead when the dust settles. Good luck and happy home owning.
