4 Home Improvement Projects That Should Be Done Professionally

by Dhruv Kar
May 14, 2019

There’s no question that successful DIY projects can feel very rewarding and save you a lot of money. That said, if you take on the wrong repair or renovation, it can end up wasting your time and energy, as well as costing you more money to get it redone than it would have cost to get it professionally done to begin with. Some home improvements are just better left to the pros.

So, how do you know which projects are too advanced or dangerous to do yourself? To start, here are four home improvements you should plan to call a professional for.

Before You Begin, Think About Financing

Unless your bank account is flush with cash, you’ll probably need to think about your financing options before embarking on any remodeling adventures. Some homeowners opt to put these expenses on credit cards, whereas other people will take out loans to ensure they have enough money to cover the costs. One option to consider is called cash out refinancing, which essentially replaces your mortgage with a loan of higher value. The difference between the new loan and your old mortgage will result in a cash payout, which you can use to help pay for the remodeling job you have lined up. Of course, there are many other options to explore, so make sure you select an option that better suits your financial needs.

Cleaning or Replacing a Roof

Whether your roof consists of shingles, tile, slate, or another material, getting it cleaned is an important part of preserving the life of your roof. It helps to prevent decay from algae and other harmful growths, and it can save you from having to fork out thousands of dollars on repair or replacement. Depending on the material, it’s good to plan for a cleaning every two to five years.

When it is time to repair or replace your roof, it’s much safer to hire a professional service. For roof replacement, expect to pay between $4,900 and $14,100. The cost will depend on the size, where you live, and how much a service charges for materials. Prices will vary among roofing contractors, so it’s important to obtain multiple estimates before you hire anyone.

House Demolition

Are you looking to build a new home or make major renovations to your existing home? If demolition is necessary, it’s definitely a job you should consider hiring professionals for. Not only is it back-breaking work, but it can also be dangerous. For instance, if you need to knock down a wall to join two rooms, you run the risk of running into major plumbing and electrical problems. The national average for most homeowners to hire a demolition service is $3,000 to $8,000.

Tackle Your Kitchen

With the exception of possibly the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most popular — and expensive — remodeling jobs on the market. In fact, according to Bankrate, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $12,594 to $33,118 on a kitchen remodeling, though that number can jump even higher depending on which features you’d like to update. For example, some people like to make room for bigger appliances, a walk-in pantry, or gorgeous new countertops. Just remember to make arrangements for how you’ll prepare meals during the remodeling, which could easily bump up your budget by a few dollars.

Remodeling a Bedroom

While some remodels can be done yourself less expensively, some can quickly add stress to your life and result in expensive redos. When you’re remodeling your bedroom, there are a lot of factors that go into it. For instance, if you’re installing or relocating windows, putting in a gas fireplace, or moving walls, you not only need to consider where infrastructure is located, you will also need to think about local regulations and what codes and permits you will need. A trusted professional can handle all of these matters for you. The cost of a professional remodel typically depends on the size of the bedroom, the work to be done, and the materials needed. The national average to remodel a 10-foot-by-12-foot room is currently $7,880.

Building a Garage

Whether you’re thinking about adding an attached or detached garage to your property, this is a job best left to the pros. Similar to the other jobs on this list, there are many factors that make garage building a difficult process, and any one of those factors can easily go wrong. Building a garage takes a lot of time to plan, estimate the costs, and find the best deals on materials like concrete, wood, and metal. Also, considering the climate in your area can affect what kind of garage you need, not to mention you have plumbing, wiring, and numerous regulations to think about. Plus, a professional contractor can provide you with hundreds of design plans to choose from. It can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $80,000 to have a garage built.

Sometimes, DIY is the way to go. But sometimes calling a professional will save you from stress and wasting your time, energy, and money. Consider hiring a roof cleaning service to prolong the life of your roof, as well as a demolition service for any demo work you need to be done. Stay safe and make sure regulations are met by having a professional contractor come in for your bedroom remodel and garage addition. While it may seem expensive up front, bringing in the pros for these projects can prove to be the best decision in the long run.