There are several reasons homeowners in Boston, MA may prefer to do it themselves when it comes to home renovation projects, but far and away the most significant justification is potential cost savings. Professional contractors can be pricey considering you are essentially buying their time and know-how.
Most general contractors in Boston, MA charge between $70 and $130 per hour. Depending on where you are and the size of the project, it's conceivable that you could pay in the neighborhood of $30,000 for contractors—and that doesn't include labor and materials.
Plus you will have to budget for specialty subcontractors like plumbers, who can cost you anywhere between $45 to $200 per hour. No wonder then, that DIY home renovations seem so appealing when you see numbers like those. But decisions are not always this easy; most of the time, DIY projects can prove to be unfeasible, unsafe, or even illegal.
The decision to DIY or hire a professional need not be daunting; a few key questions about safety, the required skill level, and your time can simplify the selection process. You will want to proceed step-by-step so you know that the approach you are choosing for your home renovation project is right for you.
Is DIY Safe?
Before diving into any DIY project, consider the potential risks. Working on a roof, installing electrical components, or handling heavy materials can be dangerous. Always ask yourself if there's a risk of injury or worse. If the answer is even a tentative "yes," it's safer to hire a professional. No savings are worth compromising your safety.
Also, consider the safety of others in your household. Can you securely store tools and hazardous materials away from children and pets? Could your intermittent work schedule leave dangerous items unattended?
Many jobs require specific training and licenses for these very reasons. Additionally, if you're part of a homeowners association in Boston, MA, there might be rules mandating the use of bonded professionals
Skills Needed for DIY Projects
For example, building a fence or refinishing a table can be great for do-it-yourselfers who are eager to learn something new and to feel the satisfaction of a job done right. Other projects, like repiping a bathroom, putting in a new fireplace, or installing a furnace, are too complex.
In general, any big job involving electricity, gas, or plumbing should be given to licensed professionals. Mistakes in DIY projects can be costly. Most of the time, they will mean major damage, both aesthetic and functional, and you may just find yourself paying more to a contractor in Boston, MA to fix your errors than you would have paid them in the first place.
Time Investment for DIY
While DIY projects can save money, they also require a significant time investment. Consider your schedule and whether you can commit to a project that might take weeks or even months to complete. Some projects are time-sensitive, requiring precise timing for steps like drying or heating materials. Can you afford to take time off work or sacrifice leisure activities?
Additionally, check if your project requires permits. If only professionals can obtain these permits, it’s likely an indication that DIY isn't an option.
DIY Cost
Surprisingly, DIY projects aren’t always cheaper. The cost of tools and materials can quickly add up. For instance, a high-quality manual tile cutter for a kitchen or bathroom remodel can cost up to $3,000, with motorized versions being even pricier. If the project is a one-off, investing in expensive tools might not make financial sense.
Materials can also be tricky to source. Suppliers may charge more for small retail orders or refuse to deal with individuals. In contrast, contractors often get discounts and have their own equipment. Over time, hiring a pro could be more economical.
When to Hire a Professional Contractor
Here are some clear-cut situations where hiring a professional is the best choice:
- The job requires a municipal permit
- It needs specialized tools or equipment costing over $100
- Local laws or your homeowners’ association mandate a professional
- You’ll be working with hazardous substances like electricity or gas
- A mistake could make your home unlivable
In general, inexperienced homeowners should only tackle low-stakes projects themselves.
Labor costs are a major portion of any home remodeling budget. It is true that doing the work oneself could save some money and can bring about a feeling of accomplishment, but the same work can be risky or can have certain legal aspects.
If you already have the skills, tools, time, and resources to purchase the materials for less, then maybe you can consider it. Most other cases are such that hiring a contractor with the right connections and expertise is usually the smarter choice. If you would like to know more, please call us on (781) 670-3909 or drop by at our office at 14 Charles Street, Needham, MA 02494.
