Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Melville, NY, May 13, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Since May is National Home Improvement Month, the NYC / LI Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners advice before they tackle their spring projects: namely, whether to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional during the busy remodeling season.
According to a consumer poll from NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.
Chapter President, Bob Didier, of Irwin Contracting, Inc., in Hauppauge, NY, says, “Doing home improvements yourself is a great way to be cost efficient, but you need to make sure that you are being safe in the process.”
In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.
The most important considerations for homeowners have to do with physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.
Bob Didier says, “Homeowners should have basic skills when it comes to using tools or knowing which tools are necessary, measuring, installing and following product manufacturer instructions.”
He also says that homeowners should plan the process from beginning to end to ensure that they have enough time to complete the project.
And then homeowners should consider the costs. Permits, materials, time and costs associated with correcting mistakes must be factored into the total cost. “It can be more costly to hire a professional to fix your DIY mistakes than it would have been to originally hire the professional.”
Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.
If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster. “When it comes to hiring a professional with experience, NARI is your one shop stop.”
As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at www.nari.org/leadsafety.
NARI is a good source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor because members are full-time, dedicated remodelers who follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility.
Visit the NARI-ny.org site to get tips on how to hire a remodeling professional and to search for NARI members in your area.
About (Chapter):
New York City/Long Island NARI is part of 60 chapters that comprise the nation's only not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the remodeling industry. NARI is committed to enhancing the professionalism of contractors, manufacturers and remodeling industry-related businesses. For more information about NYC/LI NARI please call 631-673-NARI (6274) or visit our website at www.nari-ny.org.
For High-res images, email marketing@nari-ny.org
According to a consumer poll from NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.
Chapter President, Bob Didier, of Irwin Contracting, Inc., in Hauppauge, NY, says, “Doing home improvements yourself is a great way to be cost efficient, but you need to make sure that you are being safe in the process.”
In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.
The most important considerations for homeowners have to do with physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.
Bob Didier says, “Homeowners should have basic skills when it comes to using tools or knowing which tools are necessary, measuring, installing and following product manufacturer instructions.”
He also says that homeowners should plan the process from beginning to end to ensure that they have enough time to complete the project.
And then homeowners should consider the costs. Permits, materials, time and costs associated with correcting mistakes must be factored into the total cost. “It can be more costly to hire a professional to fix your DIY mistakes than it would have been to originally hire the professional.”
Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.
If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster. “When it comes to hiring a professional with experience, NARI is your one shop stop.”
As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at www.nari.org/leadsafety.
NARI is a good source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor because members are full-time, dedicated remodelers who follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility.
Visit the NARI-ny.org site to get tips on how to hire a remodeling professional and to search for NARI members in your area.
About (Chapter):
New York City/Long Island NARI is part of 60 chapters that comprise the nation's only not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the remodeling industry. NARI is committed to enhancing the professionalism of contractors, manufacturers and remodeling industry-related businesses. For more information about NYC/LI NARI please call 631-673-NARI (6274) or visit our website at www.nari-ny.org.
For High-res images, email marketing@nari-ny.org
Contact
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Matthew Rimi
631.673.6274
www.nari-ny.org
Matthew Rimi
631.673.6274
www.nari-ny.org
Contact
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