Category: Home Improvement

When Should I Do It Myself and When Should I Leave it to the Pros?

Q: Which home improvement projects can I tackle myself, and when should I leave it to the pros?

A: It’s tempting to want to do everything yourself, but it isn’t always the best choice. Here’s how to know when to do it yourself and when to hire professionals.

Home improvement projects you can probably do on your own

  • Cosmetic improvements.This includes painting, wallpapering, wood staining, installing adhesive carpet tiles and replacing the hardware on cabinets and drawers. Check out tutorials on YouTube for useful tips, tricks and hacks.
  • Minor plumbing jobs.Almost anyone can snake a clogged toilet, and most people can handle fixing a minor faucet leak or changing a shower head. Maybe even installing a toilet. Again, YouTube is your best friend when it comes to DIY adventures.
  • Minor electrical work.You can probably install new light fixtures and change your light switch plates without much issue.
  • Install tiles.Think a new backsplash for your kitchen, new tiles for your bathroom floors and walls, and new floors for your kitchen and foyer.

Six questions to ask before tackling a project on your own

  1. Have I done a project like this before? If this isn’t your first time doing a project like this, you can probably handle it now.
  2. Do I have a reliable resource to turn to with any questions that may arise? It’s best to be prepared in case you run into trouble mid-project. Get that contractor friend on speed dial!
  3. Will this project involve any structural framing? It’s best not to tackle projects that involve cutting through walls without professional guidance.
  4. Will this job involve any electrical, plumbing or HVAC work? If your project involves cutting through pipes and wires, it’s best to call in the pros.
  5. Do I have the resources to complete this job? Make an estimation of how much the job will cost you in time and money before you begin.
  6. Will this job risk personal injury? Don’t risk your safety on a project that should really be left to the pros.

Paying for a home improvement project

A home improvement project can be expensive. Consider tapping into your home’s equity through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit with Olean Area Federal Credit Union to help you pay for the project. Call, click, or stop by today!

Saving on Home Renovations

Is your home in desperate need of a facelift? As you probably know, home renovations don’t come cheap. In fact, the average kitchen remodel tops $60,000 and bathroom overhauls can cost $18,000!

With some careful planning, though, you can shave thousands of dollars off these price tags.

Here are 7 ways to save:

1.       Don’t do a complete remodel

Instead of knocking down walls, give the outdated area a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures and some minor décor upgrades.

Potential money saved: $30,000.

2.       Shop around for a contractor

Find someone professional, reliable and willing to give you a decent price. Check out at least three different contractors before making your decision. Ask for references and meet with each contractor in person to get a feel for their professional conduct and character. Also, be sure to sign a detailed contract.

Potential money saved: several thousand dollars.

3.       Consider long–term benefits

It often makes sense to pay more now if it’ll save you big down the line. For example, if you’re installing clapboard siding, you’ll save in the long run by paying more for pre-primed and pre-painted boards. Using the prefinished boards means you’ll need half as many paint jobs in the future.

Money saved: $1,250 (for a 10×40 area).

4.       Pick decent but midgrade materials

When long-term functionality is not a criterion, choose the midgrade option. One area where you’ll see this at play is in carpeting. Olefin and polyester carpeting will run you $1 to $2 per square foot, while wool costs upward of $9 to $11 per square foot.

Money saved: $400 (for a 40-square-feet area).

5.       Bring in natural light without windows

Looking to bring a splash of sunshine into your kitchen? Instead of adding a window, consider installing a “light tube.” It slips between the rafters on your roof and works to funnel sunshine down into the living space below.

Adding a double-pane window can run you $1,500; a light tube costs $500.

Money saved: $1,000.

6.       Lend a hand

Save big by doing some of the demolition work yourself, painting some walls, or even sanding walls to prep them for painting. You can also lend a hand with the cleanup instead of hiring a crew.

Money saved: $200 or more.

7.       Increase efficiency, not size

Cramped kitchen? Don’t assume you need to push out walls to make it work. Instead, reorganize your kitchen for optimal efficiency and save tens of thousands of dollars. Upgrade your cabinets with Lazy Susans, pullout drawers, dividers and more. Consider hiring a professional organizer to show you how to maximize your space — you’ll still save big overall.

Money saved: up to $60,000.

Before making any decisions, be sure to call, click or stop by Olean Area Federal Credit Union today to learn about our fantastic rates on Home Improvement Loans, Fixed Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)!

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