Find Your Home In Reno

Do It Yourself?

When it comes to home improvement projects, many homeowners face a common dilemma: Should I do the work myself or should I hire a contractor? If you have the know-how, tackling a home improvement project yourself can be satisfying, and it is usually less expensive than hiring a professional.

Hiring a contractor is often a better option for larger, more complex projects, especially those that involve plumbing, electrical or carpentry work. Crunched for time? A contractor can usually complete the improvements in less time than if you did it yourself.

Several online resources can help homeowners assess potential costs of home improvement projects. For example, ImproveNet’s (www.improvenet.com) project estimator determines a project’s approximate cost based on the type of work, the room dimensions, and the user’s zip code. Home Inspector Locator (www.homeinspectorlocator.com) lists approximate costs for the most common home improvement projects. Both sites provide tips and links for finding and working with contractors.

If you decide to work with a contractor, experts suggest that you collect at least three estimates, interview each contractor thoroughly, and examine their references before selecting one. Also keep a checklist of tasks that need to be done before the project is considered completed. Don’t make a final payment or sign off on the project until all work is done to your satisfaction.

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All Contents © Copyright 2006, Barb Tuttle and Bill Nock