Are You Ready to Remodel Your Home?
First seen in Arlington Today Magazine
Reimagining a space and seeing that vision to fruition can be a beautiful, rewarding experience. Home renovations can be great fun. They can also be very costly, time consuming and stressful. So how do you make your remodeling project more of the former and less of the latter? One key decision is whether to go DIY (Do It Yourself) or to hire a design and remodeling firm. Let’s take an honest look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option. This two part series will provide an overview of what to expect and tips on how to proceed with each option. The best choice for you depends on your temperament, taste and time. Are you a DIY Dynamo or a Diligent Delegator? Let’s find out.
Small Scale DIY
Transforming a key fixture in your home provides a real sense of accomplishment. Who doesn’t love the “I did this myself” moment when guests admire your handiwork? It’s like the grown up version of show and tell.
Many DIY bloggers make home renovations look simple. The beautiful photos and step-by-step explanations inspire you. Be aware, however, they often don’t show the complexity behind the scenes.
Take repainting your bathroom vanity, for instance. This is considered a minor home update by industry standards. It’s also a good way to dip your toe into the waters of DIY renovation.
You’ll need materials like sandpaper, drop cloths, eye protection, brushes and rollers. There’s a bit of assembly work and several applications of primer and paint. Factor in drying time and curing, and this project will take a several days minimum to complete. If this sounds like fun, you may have found your next DIY project! Let’s keep going.
Everything from the quality of the paint brush to selecting the appropriate paint type and color will affect the finished look of your bathroom vanity. If you relish in learning these nuances, the Do It Yourself route could be ideal for you. You can even involve your children and spouse to create memories for a lifetime.
If all this sounds like a hassle, you may value leisure time more than a home improvement challenge. Keep reading to see if you’re a DIY Dynamo or a Diligent Delegator
DIY Remodeling – Things to Consider
Now let’s talk about a full bathroom remodel.
Changing fixtures, countertops, and possibly flooring or layout is far more complex than just painting a vanity. Expect this project to last several weeks to a few months. Do you have a knack for researching materials? How about managing multiple vendors, inspecting work quality, and keeping everybody on schedule?
Home is where we go to relax. We love our homes because they allow us to recharge. Home is a refuge from work and all of life’s outside demands.
Repainting a vanity won’t disrupt your routine all that much. It’s easy to work that around your social schedule. A full remodel is a different story.
Congratulations – You’re Hired!
Taking on a DIY remodeling project means home is your second job.
There are two ways to handle DIY home renovations. You can act as the general contractor or you can be the installer/craftsman.
In either scenario, you will still have another job – designer. The designer creates the visual roadmap for everyone else to follow. More on that later.
As general contractor, you hire subcontractors to do the physical work. These companies or individuals have their own tools and equipment. You may or may not be responsible for ordering the materials.
As the installer, you do all the work yourself and also order/pick up the materials. You also must buy, rent or borrow the necessary tools and equipment.
You as Designer
Every good remodel starts with a vision. A picture of what you want the finished room to look like. While this starts in our heads, it’s best to get it out on paper (or a screen for digital renderings).
As a DIY Remodeler, you’ll need to use photographs of existing bathrooms/kitchens to guide you. If you’re artistically inclined, you can make a sketch by hand or use software to create a sketch on the computer. Be as detailed as possible with your design. Know your colors, shapes and textures. Your design is your roadmap. It determines what materials, paint, fixtures and accents to consider purchasing.
You as General Contractor
If you hire subcontractors like plumbers, floor installers and painters, coordinating the work is your responsibility. Knowing which workers should go in what order is crucial. You’ll need to look at everything needed and plan the order of the work from start to finish. Checking each vendor’s workmanship and holding them accountable will fall upon you as well.
You may be an operational whiz at work, but there’s an added dynamic to home renovations. How comfortable are you with selecting companies for multiple types of work in your home? Are you available during business hours to supervise them? How objective can you be when making decisions?
While you won’t have to physically work, you will need the mental stamina to oversee the project. As general contractor, you are the quarterback keeping everyone on schedule.
You as the Craftsman (or Craftswoman)
For greater control and reduced labor costs, you can opt to install things yourself. With the exception of major plumbing and electrical, this can be a viable option. When you are the craftsman, you decide when to deal with the project based on your schedule.
Keep in mind though, most DIY renovators take a break at some point. A portion of your home could be less than desirable for months or even years if this happens.
It may be mentally draining to face a torn out bathroom after a long day at work. Will you have time to order and pick up supplies? If you opt to be the “weekend warrior,” how will that affect your leisure time? Remember this is a multiple week project even when professionals are working on it full time.
If you’re retired, you likely have more time to devote to home improvements. Consider family responsibilities and other demands on your time that may need rearranging to allow for a DIY renovation.
Three Tips for Successful DIY
All this being said, a successful DIY home remodel is possible. Here are some tips get you moving in the right direction.
Build a Team.
DIY doesn’t have to be lonely. With help from your spouse, family or friends, you can bond and have fun in a new way. Remember that friend who lives at Home Depot? Or the relative who always knows what colors look good together? Ask them for ideas and see to what extent they are able to help. Even cheerleaders who are simply happy to hear about your progress or willing to tag along on a supply run can help maintain your momentum.
Plan Carefully.
While you don’t want to overcomplicate things, you do want to properly weigh your options. Talk to friends who finished similar projects. Even if they used a remodeling firm or contractors, you can learn from their experiences. Search the internet to compile the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Knowledge is power.
Pace Yourself.
All the familiar clichés apply here: Slow and steady wins the race. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Better late than never. While you definitely want a plan and a schedule, you also want to finish your project with your sanity and family intact. Whether you hire subcontractors or not, remember to consider your own unique rhythm, preferences and social calendar. Remember that supply shortages, schedule conflicts, etc. do happen, especially in light of the pandemic. The excitement and energy you feel at the beginning may taper off down the line. The key is to plan a sustainable schedule to prevent both overwhelm and procrastination.
Now that you have a clear picture of what DIY remodeling involves, how do you feel about it? Are you ready to tackle it? Does it sound like too much work? Perhaps you’re still on the fence. Whatever your answer is, be sure to read part two of this series. Next, we look at the pros and cons of hiring a design and remodeling firm. There’s also a short quiz to help you gauge the right approach for you.
