Improving a home can be as exciting and as complex as the builder's imagination allows.  Unfortunately, it is also limited by the size of a builder's wallet, since maintaining and repairing a home can be very expensive.  The fifty thousand dollar question is, should you hire a contractor or do the repairs yourself?  Choose the wrong answer, and it really could end up a fifty thousand dollar mistake!

Do It Yourself Home Repair

The first thing to remember about DIY home repair is that regardless of money, the job has to be completed.  Therefore, any kind of repairman-including you-has to know what he's doing.  If not, then you will end up paying double the price; first for your mistakes and then again so a professional can finish the job. 

Carefully Inspect Your House

Before deciding one way or the other, take a careful look at your house and inspect it.  A yearly inspection is a recommended time frame.  Use this opportunity to check the materials behind the walls and under the surfaces.  After an inspection you will know exactly what needs to be repaired and determine if you're qualified to handle it yourself.

Tips For Doing It Yourself

When determining whether or not to handle the repair assignment yourself, consider some important questions: How much time will you need to make the repair?  Will it take you away from family, work or other ventures?  What kind of tools and materials will you need for the entire project and are they readily available?  How much will the project cost to do it yourself compared to the estimate of a professional?  Finally, determine if fixing it yourself will actually save you money over choosing a contractor. Answering these questions will require a complete "plan" of your repairs, including the total costs of materials, tools and the estimated schedule.  Compare the estimated cost to your available funds and then make sure you have a little bit extra left over just in case of emergencies or further complications. 

The Final Decision

Even if you go with a contractor, it is important to know exactly what you want ahead of time.  Miscommunication between you and a professional repairperson can be just as costly as fixing it yourself and miscalculating.  No matter what, remember that the job has to be completed regardless of the amount of money you have or will have to ask for by the end of the project.  Be sure and know your house like the back of your hand before you even start to spend money!