In today’s world of YouTube Videos and access to renting tools form any local hardware store the DIY opportunities are everywhere. But should you do it yourself or hire a pro? For this post let’s assume that at some point you’re going to sell your home and want top dollar. Of course everything below will depend on your skill level.

Taking a look at some of the more common DIY projects here are some thoughts to consider:

Finishing The Basement

One of the most common things homeowners do for fast equity is finish a lower level. Let’s break down the steps and see which you should hire and which you can take the DIY path.

• Rough framing. This is one area you could probably take the DIY route and be OK. Rough framing is easier in a lower level because the outside walls are already in place and you’re simply creating a space within. Tip: Make sure you’re using green treated wood on the floor and you get a good level so all doors and trim-work fits properly.
• Electrical. This is an area that even if you feel you could do it yourself you should hire the pro. You want to ensure you have a permit pulled, meet all codes and when selling the buyer would feel way more comfortable knowing it was done by a pro. You need to remember resale as well.
• Drywall. Here is another area that you could get away with at least the hanging of the Sheetrock portion but I would strongly suggest you hire the mud and taping part out. There is an art to this and if its not perfect the finished project looks bad every time. Well worth the money to hire it out.
• Trimming. Another are I suggest that unless you are truly great at it you should hire it out. Remember when selling this is one of the things people will see, how do the miters fit, how do the doors close etc. Its important that the visible finishes are perfect.

Miscellaneous Projects

• Interior paint. This is one most can tackle as a DIY. Professional painters take their time and prep accordingly, as long as you do the same you should OK.
• Carpet. We say hire a pro. Without the proper stretching and tools to make seams that are not visible the DIY carpet jobs usually look very DIY.
• Kitchen cabinet painting. Unless you can remove the doors and spray them vs rolling we say hire the pro. The difference between a sprayed door and a rolled or brushed door is night and day.

We love to see homeowners take pride in their home and tackle projects to make improvements. Many projects can turn out great with your own sweat equity however there are some best left for the pros for both safety and resale value.