Debating Do-It-Yourself Remodeling?

It was almost exactly a year ago when this Diamond Bath blog post, Do It Yourself Versus Professional Contractors, caused a bit of stir.  Clearly, being a professional remodeling company for years, we are going to be a bit biased about our chosen profession.  Our point was not to demean or degrade the millions of DIYers and weekend warriors that make improvements to their homes each year; our mission was simply to communicate a few relevant points that are sometimes overlooked by those considering taking on a remodeling project themselves. For example:

1. Time:  We believe everyone's time is worth something and, if you are like us, you believe the time you spend with your family at night and on weekends is some of your most precious time.  Yet this is when most DIY projects happen, so time is spent shopping for materials, borrowing tools from friends, cleaning up an accident or watching another YouTube video on how to remove that old toilet. 

2.  Money:  Since we've seen our share of DIY projects gone wrong, we can surmise that many times the savings you anticipated with the cost of materials, gradually increases as you eventually discover additional items you didn't realized were required as well.  That new toilet will also need a new wax ring.  A new tub will likely not be the exact same size as your original tub, so that means changes to your flooring.  Even installing a new shower head will require some teflon tape for a watertight seal, and all those additional add-ons will add up. 

3. Resale:  While you might be very proud of your DIY project, how will  future home buyers feel about your remodeling abilities?  Potentially even more important, how will a certified home inspector view your efforts?  What about an experienced home appraiser?  Keep this future audience in mind when you are weighing the pros and cons of your DIY decisions today. 

When it comes to resale value of your home, a professionally remodeled bathroom, like our Gurnee, IL project, will always shine brighter than a DIY project.

Don't want to take our word for the various pitfalls of DIY projects?  Be sure to read this article from last month's Chicago Tribune, Your DIY home renovation project may actually lower its value. 10 things to know before you start the work.  If your ROI for going DIY is not measuring up, be sure to contact Diamond Bath for your free in-home estimate!