DIY vs. Professional Remodeling: When to Call the Experts

If you’ve ever stood in the aisle of a hardware store and wondered, “Can I actually pull this off?” you’re not alone. Lancaster homeowners are among the most capable and hands-on people around, but even the best among us realize that sometimes a DIY project has us in over our heads. Knowing when to DIY and when to hire a remodeling contractor can be hard—but we’re here to help you decide which path is right for you.

DIY projects continue to grow in popularity with the abundance of online tutorials and resources, the cost concerns many homeowners face, and the sheer desire to do something yourself with your own two hands. And many projects hit just right—that sweet spot where they’re challenging but doable, satisfying but not infuriating. The trick is just knowing if your project is in that category.

The Upside of DIY: When Tackling It Yourself Makes Sense

If your home needs mostly cosmetic updates, it might be perfect for some DIY projects. You can gain a sense of accomplishment, learn new skills, and save some money by making small improvements to your home. Some great DIY projects include

• Painting
• Changing out hardware on cabinets, drawers, and other areas
• Installing shelving
• Doing landscaping projects
• Staining your deck
• Doing minor repairs.

In Lancaster, where we have a wonderful mix of historic homes and newer builds, DIY projects work best when they are non-structural and non-mechanical updates. You want relatively low stakes—no structural damage or expensive repairs necessary if the DIY project doesn’t go as planned.

Know Your Limits: Projects that Usually Require a Pro

Some bigger remodeling projects might be out of the DIY scope, unless you have a lot of construction skills. Examples of projects that generally require a professional include

• Structural changes. Any time you need to remove walls or reinforce beams, you need the help of a remodeling contractor. And if you’re building an addition or pop-top, please call in backup.
• Systems. If your electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems require updating or changing in some way—especially if you have an older Lancaster home—you might need some help.
• Kitchen and bathroom remodels. These projects require waterproofing, ventilation, and code compliance to keep your family and property safe. You need home remodeling guidance here.

A good basic rule of thumb is that if your project is tied to permitting, includes load-bearing changes, or requires full design plans, you probably need to call in a professional home remodeler. 

And if you don’t hire a remodeler when your project needs one? While DIY projects can be fun and save money, there can be some hidden costs. If you attempt a project you can’t safely complete, you may fail inspections, incur water or other damage, and need to pay for repairs and reworking of the space. This means your initial project will take longer and cost more. Protect your home’s value by knowing when you need a Lancaster home remodeler.

The Gray Area: How to Decide When It’s Not Obvious

While some home remodeling projects are easy to put in the DIY or Professional category, others could go either way. For example, flooring installation, tile work, built-ins, and partial kitchen refreshes might be within the scope of your abilities and within your desire to DIY it.

Think about your experience level. Are you pretty handy? Have you tried projects like this before and been successful? It’s okay if you’re not up for it—there’s no shame in having different skills than home improvement. But if you’re pretty capable, you might want to give it a try.

How much time do you want to commit to this project? Busy professionals and families with kids might not want to spend the time a home improvement project will require. If time is money for you, consider calling in a pro.

Another factor is what specialized tools the project requires. Do you own a tile saw or a miter saw? Most likely, unless you do a lot of DIY projects, you don’t. One option is to rent the tools you need, but keep in mind the potentially steep learning curve you’ll have to climb to master a complex new tool. It’s not a deal-breaker necessarily, but for some people it might be. 

Finally, consider the complexity of your home’s existing systems. Weigh whether or not you’re going to be able to update and upgrade them appropriately—and factor in any warranty implications that might arise from not having a licensed contractor installing them. 

In brief, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have the skills necessary to do this project, or am I willing to learn them?
• Do I have access to the tools I need, and am I willing to learn how to use them?
• Do I have the time to complete this project?
• Is my house too complicated for me to try this?

If you’re still uncertain, reach out to us at McLennan Contracting. No pressure—just clarity on whether or not this is the job for you.

Why Hiring a Professional is Sometimes the Best Option

For larger or complicated projects, hiring a professional remodeler in Lancaster, PA, just makes sense—especially when you hire a design-build remodeling team. Design-build firms offer all the necessary aspects of remodeling within one company, a team that is great at working together to give you the home you really want. Read this article for more information about why we think the design-build model is the best option for your home.

Professional remodelers can help you avoid costly mistakes, delays, and potential code violations and issues. And because they do this for a living, they also have other valuable skills you need:

• Design insights and expertise that will help you love your space.
• Project management know-how: scheduling subcontractors, materials, and inspections.
• Excellent craftsmanship that ensures your home looks and functions beautifully for years to come.

This is where McLennan Contracting shines. And our collaborative approach ensures that you still get the fun of planning and making decisions for your remodel, with guidance and help as you need it. So if your remodeling project is too much for you to DIY, or if you would just rather enjoy having someone else take care of the work for you, contact us today, and let’s discuss what you’re dreaming of for your home.

DIY when it makes sense. And call in reinforcements when it brings long-term value and peace of mind. You won’t regret it.