DIY remodeling Portland has become more and more popular over the years. And with its increase in popularity came an increase in remodeling mishaps and renovation mistakes. So when it comes to big-ticket changes to your home, you should always ask yourself, “Should I hire a contractor or do it myself?”
There are some projects like painting, window treatments, or new light fixtures that can be done relatively quickly with a basic set of tools. But even if you have a full toolbox and know how to use it, there’s still the time it takes for you to go from demo to buying materials to adding the finishing touches. And that’s without running into any issues.
Some people think that they will save a ton of money by doing the whole project themselves. Without experience and training, a projected three-week remodel could turn into a two-month disaster. There’s not a lot of money saved when it takes twice as long, yields lower-quality results, and increases the probability of damage to your home.
Should I Hire a Contractor or Do It Myself?
When it comes to home renovation, there are certain tasks that are best left to professional home remodeling experts. Here are some areas where it’s generally advisable to hire professionals instead of taking on the work yourself:
- Permitting
- Demolition
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Structural Work
- Roofing/Exterior Improvements
- Finishing Touches
Permitting
Most often, a permit is required to perform any significant work inside a home, including electrical, plumbing, structural changes, and even windows! During a typical remodel, most homeowners want to upgrade their bathtub, shower, or kitchen sink. Getting permits isn’t meant to be a hassle, it’s meant to protect the people living in the home and future homebuyers.
With their expertise in the industry, Metke Remodeling and Luxury Homes will help streamline the process, making sure your project meets all the necessary regulations. You can trust us to handle all the paperwork and get your project on track, leaving you free to enjoy the exciting changes happening in your home.
Demolition
As fun as those movie montage scenes look with the sledgehammer, goggles, and upbeat background music, this isn’t the case in real life. When breaking down a wall for a remodel, you can’t just start swinging wildly. There are many factors to keep in mind when doing this; asbestos, dust, gas lines, water pipes, and other worrisome components that lie behind the drywall of homes.
If you don’t know what you are doing, you run the risk of causing more damage than you intended. Apart from accidentally breaking a water line or cutting into electrical lines, you could do structural damage if you’re working on a load-bearing wall. The carpenters and trade partners at Metke Remodeling and Luxury Home are licensed and experienced in performing all of these tasks during our remodeling projects.
Electrical Work
When it comes to electrical work, safety should always be the top priority. It may be tempting to try and tackle a DIY project, but without proper knowledge and experience, it can quickly become dangerous. Electrical shocks are no joke, and the risk of injury is not worth it, not to mention potentially catastrophic damage to the home.
Beyond the safety aspects of working with electrical, there could be an issue of scope. Changing out an outlet or light switch is relatively easy (turn off the power to the room first!), but replacing a utility box, moving junction boxes, or replacing hundreds of feet of wiring requires expert organization and planning.
Plumbing
Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but if it involves plumbing modifications, it’s essential to seek advice from professionals. Plumbing isn’t the simplest trade, and making improper adjustments can cause havoc in your home. Even changing out a bathroom faucet incorrectly can lead to water damage, leaks, mold and mildew growth, and even structural problems.
Along with protecting your home from water damage, think about how intensive the job may be. Replacing a toilet is one thing, but repiping a whole home is much more laborious. And how long are you willing to be without water in the home? When you work with the experts at Metke Remodeling and Luxury Homes, you’ll know when you can wash your hands and when to think about going out for lunch.
Structural Work
A nice open concept can really improve the sightlines in your home, but you can’t just go knocking out walls wherever you want. Any significant changes to your home’s structure should involve the expertise of a professional contractor or structural engineer. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to ensure your home remains safe and secure while undergoing renovations.
They’ll also be able to work with the electrical and plumbing aspects of the renovation as well. Imagine trying to remove a wall only to find the bathroom stack from the floor above running right down the middle. Metke Remodeling and Luxury Homes will help you plan for these issues and provide solutions to help you bring your vision to reality.
Exterior Improvements
As much as we’ve been talking about potential problems coming from inside the house, poor installation of a new roof or updated siding can be equally destructive. When it comes to keeping your home safe and dry, a quality roof and sturdy siding are essential.
These exterior modifications can’t just be handled by anyone, however. It takes specialized knowledge and equipment to properly repair or replace a roof, install siding, or make any other necessary exterior modifications. The smallest imperfections can lead to some pretty big issues over time.
This is especially true with windows and exterior doors. Not only do they have to work properly, but they also protect the interruptions in the siding where most water damage occurs. Incorrectly sealed openings will lead to massive water damage inside and outside the home.
If you love spending time outdoors and want to maximize your backyard, building a patio or outdoor deck might be just the ticket! But before you whip out your tools and start hammering away, there are some important things to keep in mind.
For example, the placement of the deck can impact the crawl space of your home or increase the risk of water damage. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider permits and property lines to avoid disputes with neighbors and ensure proper building codes. A new deck is great–until you have to tear it down and start over because you didn’t follow code.
Finishing Touches
You can probably do most of the painting around the house if saving money is a primary concern. But if there is a particular look you are going for, it is a better idea to let an experienced painter do the work. An accent wall with a certain texture may look great online, but if it is done incorrectly, will look ghastly in real life.
The same with flooring. Tile and hardwood floors each bring a certain feel to a room, but when installed incorrectly, can crack and creak. Laying floors requires precision and accuracy–without this, the results could include warped, bubbly, and uneven flooring. Crown molding and other ornate trim work will look haphazard without the right tools or expertise.
Interior designers have a knack for knowing what colors and paint finishes will look best in each room. Working with professional general contractors not only allows you to pick out everything you want, but the finished product will look exactly how you imagined it. And save lots of time in the process.
Should I Hire a Contractor or Do It Myself? The Pros and Cons
We’re not going to tell you to hire a general contractor to replace your kitchen faucet or repaint your cabinet doors (although those changes can provide an immediate upgrade). If you do it right, you can save yourself some money and even take a little pride in ownership, that you got the job done right. But when it comes to a whole-home remodel or addition, save yourself time, grief, and a whole lot of money by going with the experts.
When you work with Metke Remodeling and Luxury Homes, know that you’ll be working with one of the best remodeling contractors in the Portland metro area. Our dedicated team of experts has won multiple awards for our work on additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and new home constructions. But it’s not just our quality of work that sets us apart.
We pride ourselves on forming lasting partnerships with our clients and working together to create the home of your dreams. At Metke Remodeling and Luxury Homes, our clients are more than just customers, they become a part of our team. So why wait? Give us a call and let us help you bring your vision to life.