Do-it-yourself home renovations can be rewarding and cost-effective if you have the skills, time, and energy to invest. In the age of Pinterest and YouTube tutorials, it’s never been easier to access home improvement videos and learn as you go. Even with a plethora of information at your fingertips, things can go wrong with DIY home renovations. So what should you DIY and what should you leave to the pros? Hopefully these tips will help!

Questions to Ask Before You Tackle a DIY Home Improvement

1. Is it really a simple project?

Spend some time learning what could go wrong with your project – some may not be as simple as they seem initially. Knowing what you’re looking at, from start to finish, will help you avoid surprises.

2. Are you ok with an ok result?

If the project affects an area of your home you especially love, you may not want a subpar result. While DIYers always have the best intentions, there is always a learning curve and lots of mistakes to be made. The project may not always turn out as you hoped. Just keep in mind how important the outcome is to you when deciding to DIY or hire a pro.

3. Do you have the time?

Some projects are simple enough to squeeze into a weekend, while others will take weeks or even months to complete (especially if you only have a few hours a week to do them). Consider all the demands on your time and what your time is worth before you decide to DIY.

4. How much money will it save?

Will the money saved be worth your time and energy and the hassle of a project? While you can expect to pay more when hiring a professional, the cost difference may not be as substantial as you initially thought. It’s always a good idea to get a quote for the project and thoroughly vet costs so you’ll know how much you stand to save.

5. Do you enjoy working with your hands?

For most DIYers, this is a selling point. They enjoy working with their hands and learning new skills. If you love this type of thing and want the pride of completing a project, that will go a long way towards your decision to DIY.

6. Do you have an expert on hand?

It’s all about who you know! If you have an expert on hand, or at least someone who has tackled this type of project themselves, it will help ensure a great result. Knowing that you have a guide and someone to go to if issues pop up is a great boost of confidence.

Tips for your first DIY Home Project

Start small and see how it goes. Rather than jumping headfirst into the DIY front, pick a smaller project around your home and start there. Maybe you’ll discover that DIY is not for you, but perhaps you’ll unearth some hidden talents!

Expect surprises. DIY projects can be more challenging than you’re expecting – once you’re in it, lots of little issues can pop up that you maybe weren’t prepared for – go into it expecting surprises and be ready to pivot

Look at your skill level. Not all DIY projects are created equally. Look at your skillset before choosing where you’ll start. Stick within your comfort zone for your first project to help build up your confidence.

Know your numbers. One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to DIY is to save money. But you may not save as much as you think in the long run. Start with a quote from a professional and then cost out your options, considering how much time and energy you’ll put into the job.

Create a game plan. Rather than winging it, research beforehand and create a plan for your project. Map out your steps and know what’s involved at each stage. This way, you’ll better understand what to expect before you start your DIY home renovations.

Home Renos to Leave to the Pros

Any project that requires certification is best left to the professionals. Major plumbing jobs, electrical work and structural changes can have severe consequences if mishandled. Repairs and fixing damage from a job gone wrong can cost you even more than if you had hired a pro in the first place.

Home Improvements to Leave to the Pros:

1. Plumbing – Done wrong, plumbing can cause sudden leaks that damage your belongings or slow leaks that go undetected and cause rot and mould over time.

2. Electrical – Faulty electrical work can lead to fires, and you can get a nasty shock.

3. Structural changes – Any major remodels that require knocking down walls should be left to the pros.

4. HVAC – Inefficient comfort levels, energy waste, electrical issues and CO2 leaks are some issues that can come out faulty HVAC work.

5. Natural gas – The ramifications of gas leaks are severe, so it’s best to leave this job to licenced professionals.

6. Remodels – Renovations improve existing elements of the home, while remodelling affects the structural makeup of the property, requiring demolition and construction.

7. Drywall—For a flawless drywall job, you need meticulous attention to detail, which only comes with practice. Save yourself the hassle and bring in an expert.

DIY Projects That Add Value to Your Home

1. Fresh Paint – A new coat of paint is one of the best ways to refresh your home and is an easy DIY home renovations project to tackle. It impacts the feel of the space, the brightness, and even how big your room appears. Choosing the right shade is key, but it can be daunting. If you are painting to resell, we always recommend a neutral paint colour to appeal to the greatest number of buyers. But if you want to add personality and make the space your own, the sky is the limit! If experimenting with colour, try the testers to ensure you like the colour in the space before committing.

2. Update light fixtures—While serious electrical work is best left up to the pros, swapping out existing light fixtures is a relatively simple project (as long as you know how to shut off the power source to your light). Replacing outdated or dingy light fixtures with more modern ones will help brighten and update your entire space.

3. Replace fixtures—Replacing generic builder-grade fixtures such as light switches, doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and vent covers is a simple and inexpensive way to uplift a space. These often-overlooked items add personality to a space and upgrading them can give it a high-end feel.

4. Tiling—Some tiling projects are easier than others. A kitchen backsplash with simple tiles is a good DIY project. More complicated tiling projects, like a tub or shower surround, are best left to the pros.

While you want to leave serious remodeling to the professionals, DIY home renovations can add value to your home and be a rewarding experience.