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Yes to Remodel

You love the neighborhood and your house is on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to size and valuation. You decide to remodel. You have bought out Home Depot's magazine rack on remodeling and are armed with ideas aplenty. Do you put on the DIY apron and go at it yourself or should you hire a contractor?

Here are some questions that might help you decide if you are up to the task.

Think back on previous DIY projects you have done and the contemplated remodeling project and ask yourself if

  • you enjoyed projects in the past
  • you kept at the job until it was completed
  • you have the job skills, and the tools necessary (or can rent them economically)
  • you have the job skills are they at the level that the job requires, enough so that you (or your spouse) will be happy with the job when completed
  • you have the time to complete the project in a realistic time frame
  • you can handle the resulting stress and chaos in your family relationships due to your commitment to the project
  • you know the scope and particulars of the job
  • you are familiar with the local building codes and necessary permits to do the job (it may be mandatory to have a licensed contractor do some jobs in your area)
  • you are prepared to handle the consequences if things go askew (some contractors are leery of taking on diy jobs that go uncompleted and some charge more than if they had done the job from the beginning)
  • you will be safe taking on this project (roofing and electrical work come to mind)
  • you will be able to purchase the necessary materials to complete the job and know where to get them. How will you get them to your home and is there a delivery or shipping charge?
  • you have correctly estimated the actual total cost of the project if you diy. It may be cheaper to hire a contractor who already has the tools and can get discounts on materials.

If there are too many "no's" staring you in the face, your home remodel may be better left in the hands of a professional.

But which professional?

There are a number of different professions that can and should enter into your remodel.

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