Homeownership is an awesome thing in the Valley of the Sun. Owning a home can be rewarding in many ways. While there are great benefits to homeownership, there are also unique problems that can arise. So, when you’re faced with a construction project, should you do it yourself or hire a contractor?
As a certified home inspector, I have seen what happens when a DIY project is less than perfect. Yet, I also recognize the cost and inconvenience of bringing in a contractor for what feels like a small project. In this article, I will share some of my secrets on how to navigate the challenge of figuring out when to rely on your abilities and when to hire someone to do it for you.
When A Handyman Comes in “Handy.”
Maintenance and repair are responsibilities that cannot be taken lightly when you own a home. Some people are pretty good at handling repairs as do-it-yourself projects. Others don’t even know where to start. One asset that everyone who owns a home should have is a reliable handyman.
These guys are out there every day working on homes just like yours, and they are an affordable way to keep your home from falling into disrepair. From painting to roof repairs and almost everything in between, if it is a job that costs less than $1,000, a handyman is a good place to start.
When to Trade up to a Tradesman.
When I perform an inspection on a home that has been around for a while, I often see what happens when someone was out of their depth when trying to fix a problem. While handymen are great for a lot of things, we need to be careful to use specialized trades when it comes to certain repairs around our homes. Plumbing is a perfect example of this. You or a handyman may be able to replace an old gasket on a sink, but you should leave major repairs to an expert.
In the state of Arizona, most plumbing repairs must be carried out by a licensed plumbing contractor. This can be quite costly as there are a lot of high-profile plumbing companies in the Valley, and along with high profile comes high prices.
Before hiring a plumber, be sure to get pricing on the repair and always shop around. The same advice applies to HVAC companies. Try to hire a contractor that you feel comfortable with and who has done work for someone you know and trust.
Major Projects Require General Contracting.
For any job higher than $1,000, state law requires that a licensed contractor perform the work. That rule goes for everything from flooring installation to roof repairs. If you are having more than $1,000 worth of work done on your home, be sure to use a licensed contractor.
When selecting a contractor, do your research and check them on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website. It is also helpful to look for online reviews from organizations such as the Better Business Bureau.
Choosing the right level of repair can make a big difference when you are trying to sell your home later on. As a home inspector with over 30 years of construction experience, my job is to look for imperfections. Evidence of improper repairs may mean a lower selling price or additional repair costs to fix the problem the right way.
Keeping your home well-maintained will mean I can give it a clean bill of health at a future inspection. If you are curious about the condition of your home or are thinking about putting it on the market, contact Hunter Home Inspections to schedule an appointment.
