Remodeling: When Should I Call in the Professional?

Spending more time at home gives everyone a bit of a home improvement bug, and that's never a bad thing. But if you've been watching home makeover shows, your vision of the process may not match reality. Many small and mostly cosmetic projects are DIY-friendly. But there are times when you'll need to call in the professionals for safety and legal reasons. Our REALTORS® want your remodeling project to go off without a hitch, so we'll help you sort out which projects you can tackle on your own and which need to be done by the pros. 

• Make A Splash 
  Plumbing-related repairs and updates should be approached with caution, but several are DIY-friendly. It may be the first time you locate the shut-off valves in your home, and this can be crucial information in case of a leak or break in your pipes. Changing plumbing fixtures, including installing a toilet, can be done by a careful homeowner and can take years off the look of a room. 
  
  If you're looking to add a freestanding bidet or an outdoor sink, however, you should leave that to a professional plumber. Re-routing existing pipes or installing new ones can get tricky fast. Any project involving shutting off water to the entire house should also be left to a plumber, as the necessary equipment may require a plumber's license.
  
  
• Wall to Wall Improvements 
  If you're looking at crumbling plaster or separating baseboards, know that your DIY spirit will not be wasted. Repairing plaster, hanging some drywall, and installing new baseboards are all DIY-friendly. Add a fresh coat of paint or hang wallpaper, and you have a room that looks brand new. Refacing cabinets can transform the look of a kitchen in a weekend. 
  
  If you need to add or remove rooms from the floor plan of your house, please leave that to a licensed contractor. They know how to alter the structure of rooms safely and in compliance with building codes. 
  
  
• Cut A Rug 
  How suitable a flooring project is for a DIY project depends largely on the material. Installing vinyl or laminate flooring is a perfect DIY project for a long weekend, but new hardwood floors should be left to the pros. Cork flooring now comes in DIY-friendly planks. Carpet is a tricky issue. Self-adhesive carpet tiles are simple to install, but the skill involved in traditional wall-to-wall carpeting means that you're better off hiring someone with the years of practice needed to do it well. 
  
  If you're itching for a DIY project with a hardwood floor, don't despair. Sanding, staining, and sealing a hardwood floor will make it look new even if it isn't. You will need several relatively dry days to complete it, but your patience and hard work will pay off with years of beauty. 

We love to see homeowners take pride in their homes, and a remodeling job done right is one of the finest signs of that pride. If you have any questions about making the most of your home, contact us today.