9 Situations Where You Should Avoid DIY and Hire Professional Remodelers

Intro

Why shouldn’t you take on a renovation project just like the “Property Brothers“?  

Watching a complex makeover on an HGTV program might lead you to believe you’re up for the challenge. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that such endeavors are carefully orchestrated for television, with a dedicated team working tirelessly off-camera.

Planning and implementing a renovation can take several months. While there are occasions where taking a DIY approach is feasible, there are many instances where it’s better not to try at all.

Kitchen remodeling in Bellevue, WA
Flooring Renton

Hey Renton residents: Explore 9 compelling arguments for entrusting your home renovation tasks to the specialists. Thinking about your kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, or floor installation? Opt for a design-build remodeler such as Total Quality Express. Rest assured, your project will be completed punctually, within your financial plan, and with stunning results.

1. DIY Might Cost You More

Many homeowners associate DIY with cost savings, but this isn’t necessarily accurate. In reality, due to the value of time and the expense of errors, the costs can actually be higher.

 Undertaking a home renovation is an expensive venture to begin with, and any mistakes or need for revisions only increase the financial burden. Overlooking a crucial step can lead to a rapid accumulation of costs.

3. You Don’t Have The Tools or Equipment

A home renovation encompasses the use of various tools. Besides the basic necessities like the right hammer and tape measure, consider the need for a truck to transport materials. Certain projects might require specialized tools or equipment. While renting these is an option, knowing how to operate them upon bringing them home is another matter.

Ensure you're equipped with all necessary tools:

  • Demolition Tools: Crowbar, reciprocating saw, sledgehammer, and voltage tester
  • Safety Gear: Safety goggles, respirators, work gloves, and hearing protection
  • Essential Tools: Hammer, screwdrivers, wrench set, socket set, clamps, level, tape measure, speed square, pliers, stud finder, cordless drill, oscillating multi-tool, air compressor with nail gun, sander, etc.
  • Painting Supplies: Brushes, paint rollers, drop sheets, and lighting
  • Additional Items: Ladder, wet/dry vacuum, extension cables, sawhorses, and a truck for hauling
  • Saws: Jigsaw, circular saw, miter saw, and table saw

We possess not only every tool required but also the expertise to use them effectively. Moreover, we have established relationships to acquire any specialized or unforeseen resources that may be needed.

2. You Don’t Have the Time to Remodel

Time is precious! Similar to your financial budget, it’s a resource that merits careful consideration. The majority of Renton homeowners likely prefer not to spend their entire week working, only to dedicate their evenings and weekends to DIY home renovations. The substantial time commitment required for a remodel is often underestimated.

When you hire Total Quality Express, we save you time by:

  • Ordering all the necessary materials
  • Overseeing all subcontractors
  • Setting up a specific schedule and sticking with a daily plan
  • Ensuring quality of the project each step of the way
  • Coordinating delivery and disposal of items

4. You Don’t Have the Knowledge

Embarking on a remodeling project without prior experience can be a daunting endeavor. Diving in without a clear understanding won’t simplify things as progress is made. Without a grasp of the necessary steps, codes, and permits, the project is likely to become chaotic.

Essential knowledge for successful remodeling includes:

  • Design & Space Planning: A professional with expertise in kitchen and bathroom designs is crucial for a remodel’s success. At Total Quality Express, our team excels in crafting both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a space.
  • Codes & Permits: Our knowledge extends to designing spaces that comply with building codes and obtaining the required permits. We collaborate with skilled tradespeople for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC tasks to ensure everything is up to standard.
  • Project Scheduling: With years of experience and a portfolio of thousands of projects, we are adept at planning the sequence of tasks and estimating their duration accurately.

5. You Don’t Have the Skills

Merely watching HGTV and YouTube tutorials doesn’t equate to practical experience. Mymove.com highlights that numerous home improvement tasks demand far greater expertise than one might assume.

The website points out a common oversight: “though it may seem you’re fully prepared to swap out a light fixture, you might not remember the critical step of shutting off the electricity to that circuit.”

Home Services Contractor

Do you have these remodeling skills?

  • Demolition
  • Framing, Insulation & Drywall
  • Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC
  • Installing Cabinetry & Flooring
  • Tile Work
  • Carpentry

Our professionals are skilled in various fields, including electrical work, plumbing, HVAC systems, flooring, door installation, and trim hanging. Additionally, many homeowners overlook potential hazards like asbestos or lead paint, which require professional testing and safe removal by specialists.

Home Services Contractor Seattle

6. DIY Could Cause an Injury

Renovations come with their share of risks. DoItYourself.com reports that annually, millions of DIY enthusiasts tackling home improvement projects find themselves in emergency rooms, with approximately 170,000 of these injuries attributed to ladder accidents alone.

The dangers are particularly pronounced in tasks involving electrical work, heavy lifting, demolition, and the use of specific tools. Handling equipment ranging from nail guns to sledgehammers can be challenging, underscoring the importance of having experienced individuals on the job. If your household includes children or pets, taking extra safety measures is crucial.

7. It Could Affect Your House Resale

Many homeowners believe that remodeling projects will inherently enhance their home’s value. Yet, if not executed properly, these renovations could actually detract from the property’s worth. Professional remodeling firms are versed in the kinds of upgrades that boost a home’s value and possess the expertise to carry them out correctly. Both realtors and inspectors have a keen eye for identifying subpar remodeling efforts, which can deter potential buyers, especially if the work was completed without the necessary permits or by an unlicensed contractor.

8. Remodeling Only Looks Easy on TV

It’s easy to overlook the extensive experience contractors bring to their trades. A job that a professional can finish in a few hours might take an amateur an entire weekend, or even more. Depending on the scope of the project, this could mean your home is disrupted and unusable for a considerable length of time.

9. You Might Not Like the End Result

If the outcome of your DIY project doesn’t meet your expectations, you’re faced with a few choices: accept the flawed result, attempt to correct it yourself, or hire a professional to make it right. Mistakes in DIY efforts can lead to further wasted time and money. Choosing professionals from the start assures you of their expertise and quality workmanship. With their help, you can develop a precise plan, maintain your vision, and make informed decisions throughout the project.

Advice from totalqualityexpress

DIY Projects to Consider

If you’re eager to tackle some home improvements and have the requisite skills, consider starting with these tasks:

  • Cosmetic changes such as painting or applying wallpaper
  • Replacing cabinet hardware
  • Updating faucets or showerheads
  • Switching out light fixtures
  • Installing open shelving or closet systems
  • Painting your fireplace or revamping the mantel
  • Adding wall treatments like paneling, shiplap, or board & batten
  • Refurbishing an old piece of furniture

Consider Professional Help

Certain projects are better suited for professionals, particularly for homeowners in Renton facing complex, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous tasks.

  • Cosmetic changes such as painting or applying wallpaper
  • Replacing cabinet hardware
  • Updating faucets or showerheads
  • Switching out light fixtures
  • Installing open shelving or closet systems
  • Painting your fireplace or revamping the mantel
  • Adding wall treatments like paneling, shiplap, or board & batten
  • Refurbishing an old piece of furniture

Projects best left to experts include:

  • Structural modifications, such as moving walls or altering the framework of your home
  • Work requiring plumbing, electrical skills, or municipal permits
  • Installation of cabinets, flooring, tile, and countertops, due to the precision and expertise needed to avoid costly errors

Initiate Your Renovation Journey

Contemplating a home remodel? Begin by reaching out to us. A designer will get in touch to understand your vision and address any queries you might have. We’re confident you’ll be impressed by our team’s expertise, dedication, and professionalism.

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Reviews

Cynthia TruongCynthia Truong
22:16 01 Apr 24
This is our second time working with Radu and team and we are very happy with the result! We wanted to open up our little jack and Jill bathroom to let in the natural light and make our shower bigger. They closed off the second door and opened up the space. Communication was pretty great and they were accommodating with our delay in getting some of the material. Most specifically the shower door (that Home Depot’s shipping company lost).It’s been a few months, and our bathroom is looking and working great! Definitely recommend them!
Sunday LaneSunday Lane
12:48 31 Mar 24
Great job sealing tile.
Nichole C.Nichole C.
00:29 31 Mar 24
Radu and his team did an excellent job on our backsplash. The installation and grouting is excellent.
Tudor CodreanuTudor Codreanu
17:26 09 Feb 24
Best general contractor in the area! Fair prices, project done on time and most important to me , Quality, they stand for it! Highly recommend!
Marie Van GerpenMarie Van Gerpen
16:08 28 Nov 23
Our slab floor had dropped in one corner. Radul and his crew came in after slabjackers did the floor lift. Total Quality Express finished leveling the slab and installed the floors. The floors turned out fantastic. In particular, they did a very nice job where the floor meets the sliding door. It was a more complicated fix due to the floor drop. Radu is very responsive and easy to work with and reliable. Will definitely work with him again.
Fei GaoFei Gao
08:53 28 Nov 23
Radu and Octavian have been great! This is the second project I did with them and they never fail to impress me with their work ethics and quality of work. I like how they are very attentive to details and don’t rush on their work. They will give you an honest opinion for materials I wasn’t sure to choose. They double check with you and clarify your instructions. They are very patient and would execute your ideas about designs. This will not be the last time I’ll call them for any home renovation projects.
Maimai MaturanMaimai Maturan
09:05 20 Nov 23
They will listen and give what you want in mind for design ideas. Very professional and nice. This is my sanctuary every time I come home from work. They pay attention to details and they don’t rush their work. You can really tell that they’re good at what they do. No regrets at all!
Carlo SmithCarlo Smith
17:02 10 Nov 23
I can’t say enough positive things about the work done by Radu and Octavian. They tiled to entryways, a bathroom and fireplace. Octavian is patient and precise in his work. We had a special issue to deal with a cleanout access and the solution was perfectly executed.
Angie HowellsAngie Howells
20:52 02 Nov 23
Very amazing work awesome Tile work, very quick turnaround, would give 100% Recommendation
Mariah WakelingMariah Wakeling
21:30 27 Sep 23
Radu and the team were a pleasure to work with. They were great with up-front communication regarding the scope of the project, answering all of our questions, and asking us the right questions to get the job done in a way that met our particular needs. The quote process was easy and clear, the work was done well and quickly, and we look forward to working with them again on future projects.
QIAN NINGQIAN NING
05:00 24 Sep 23
Radu and his team are very professional and always listen to your needs. They did a fantastic job on our laundry room remodeling project. Our dog loves his new shower station so much!
Delyn KosbabDelyn Kosbab
02:27 29 Jun 23
Highly recommended. They replaced my kitchen tiles which originally was an improper installation and had many hairline cracks. Beautiful job, great results, a pleasure to work with.
A. W.A. W.
20:35 24 Jan 23
We hired them to install all tile works and wood floors for a whole house remodeling project. The fireplace tile wall turns out great! Master bath walk-in shower does drain well as promised. I even had comments from another contractor once: “Who did your tiles? They did good job!”. The team was polite and punctual. Easy to communicate with as well. I would recommend this company.
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