How To Decide If A DIY Project Is Out Of Your League

Surefire tips to help you decide if you should attempt a project or hire a pro

Photo Credit: Barthelemy de Mazenod on Unsplash

When it comes to DIY projects, we all want to believe that we can do anything. This is the age of information after all, and whatever we don't know, we can just google or research, right?

Well realistically, we can also google about dentistry and minor surgical procedures, but that doesn't mean we should do it.

I am a huge advocate for DIY for home projects, and I believe homeowners should push themselves to try new things regularly. But I also believe a good dose of common sense and realism goes a long way. So here are my top 3 tips on how to determine if you should be tackling that project, or if you should be calling in the cavalry.

Tip #1: The risk of injury or property damage

Ok. I know this one should go without saying, but there's always someone out there who needs reminding that DIY can be dangerous. If the job requires:

1. Special licensing

2. Permits

3. Specialized equipment

4. Working with hazardous waste

...consider outsourcing.

And you don't just need to consider the fact that the chance of success is low, but also that the cost to attempt the project may be prohibitive. If you need scaffolding, a bobcat, or anything specialized, renting those items for a single job may make no sense. Companies pay for those kinds of things over a series of jobs for it to make economic sense. For the average DIYer, it simply might be too expensive.

Or in the case of hazardous materials, even if it doesn't come down to equipment, do you really want to deal with things like asbestos, old oil tanks or things of that nature? There are stringent regulations for those kinds of waste disposals for your safety, and the safety of the environment, so it's best that you leave those jobs to the pros.

Tip #2: Time Suck

My neighbour has a giant A frame style house with a roof pitch which would curl your toes. When that house was being roofed, there was a massive storm coming and they needed to complete the job quickly. It was one of the most fascinating things I have ever seen. I stood, mouth agape, watching as they completed that massive project in one day. To this day, I wish I had been able to shake the hands of those pros.... what an amazing feat. But truthfully, even if I had the right equipment, and some other helping hands for that job, it would have easily taken me several weeks to complete that same job.

So how do you decide whether or not to tackle a job? This example was an easy one. No way no how should you consider a job like this. Choose other jobs to do yourself which could save you money, and use the saved money to help pay for some of the more specialized work. The pros will do it better and faster and will keep your whole project on track.

Your time is valuable. Yes you should try things yourself, but you also need to value your time and your sanity. Not every job makes sense to try, and not every job is achievable in a realistic time frame.

Tip #3: The Barrier To Learning

Photo by Nolan Issac on Unsplash

Let me tell you...I am never going to be a web programmer. Even if I had the time and inclination to learn that skill, I just don't wanna. Sure it would save me a ton of money, but it's just not my thing. Also, bringing in Tip #2, it would be a huge time suck for me.

So as a rue of thumb for DIY projects, if it is not a skill which you will be repeating over and over, chances are, it's not worth the time to learn that skill. Learning how to do plaster molds or figuring out all of the nuances of bending metal for your own flashing does not make sense unless you are going to use that skill on multiple projects. My advice would be to take your time and energy figuring out the best way to lay tile, or install flooring rather than waste your time trying to learn how to do everything. I mean what's the point of DIY anyway? It's learning that there are lots of things you can do, but also respecting that professionals are necessary for some work.

So be brave, try stuff, but know your limits. Before you start your project, make sure you do your planning, understand what's involved and detail which projects you will DIY and which you will outsource.

And remember, before, during, and after your project, you can consult the pros at The Project Garage to make sure you get the help you need, when you need it. It's all part of our goal to encourage DIY, promote the skilled trades, and streamline communication for both. It's easy, cost effective, and you get to keep the bragging rights.

Book vetted pros here!