DIY...a good idea or a potential disaster?

There's nothing I recommend to new homeowners more than an Angie's List membership. The Indianapolis-based company has saved my husband and I countless dollars by leading us to reliable contractors. So I regularly check the Angie's List web page for tips and information.

I found this post last month and the folks at Angie's List agreed to let me use it as a guest post:

To DIY or Not to DIY?

As homeowners deal with economic pressure, many are trying to save money by doing jobs around the house themselves. Often, they end up with disastrous – and more expensive – results.

An Angie’s List member poll found 83 percent of respondents go the do-it-yourself route because they want to save money. However, one in five who attempted a DIY project themselves still had to call in a pro to finish the job, and in many cases, undo the damage they had done.

3 questions to ask before tackling any project yourself:

1. What experience (if any) do I have? Just because you’re not afraid to take on a project – doesn’t mean you should. Be realistic about your skills. Not having the expertise could lead to additional costs and work. Also, you might find it difficult to find a contractor who will fix your snafu.
2. Do I have the time? Many home improvement projects take weeks rather than days. Measure the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional.
   
3. Do I have the right tools? Consider what special tools you’ll need for your project. If you have to go out and buy a power saw, but don’t plan to use it again in the future, it probably won’t be a very good investment.
   

When it comes time to choose a contractor, start with these 3 tips:

1. Call at least three contractors: Check references and/or business standing on Angie’s List or similar services before hiring anyone. Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service.
2. Communicate your ideas: Explain what updates/repairs you want done to your home. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of what your expectations are and what you are hoping to accomplish.
3. Get estimates: Once you’ve described your project, take the time to get at least a few different estimates for your job. And get it in writing – documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

Thanks again to Angie's List. Get reviews on Indianapolis Contractors.