Can I renovate my home on my own?

Image credit: Rene Asmussen from Pexels

Home renovation is a great hobby, and it is very rewarding to see your property develop in front of your eyes. But can you renovate your home on your own? Whether you’re moving house or fixing up your forever home, here are some questions to ask yourself before you embark on a home renovation project.

How big is the job?
Are you looking to give your home a visual transformation? Planning on painting, recarpeting and changing your kitchen cabinets? If the work is minor, you might want to consider doing this yourself. However, if you are not qualified in plumbing or electrical work and expect to take on a complete kitchen and bathroom refurbish, you should probably think again. 

Is there any existing damage?
Are there any areas of your home that are damaged? Do you need new floors, or is there mould or dampness in your home? If you have existing property damage, you need to get this treated by an expert before you proceed with any renovations. For areas where the water damage has not yet occurred but could be an issue in the future, you can invest in your own tools. Consider Silicone Top Coat Render as a decorative and waterproof finish for exterior projects prone to water damage. You can invest in items like this yourself without having existing experience of home renovation projects.

How much time do you have?
Are you trying to flip a property and sell it at an opportune moment? You might want to consider hiring an expert if you don’t have time to conduct the house renovations yourself. If your spare weekends and days off work aren’t enough to get the job done, a professional could save you time and even money if you spot an opportunity to make a profit or a prime time to sell.

What is your budget?
How much money can you allocate to this project? In theory, you should add 20% to any projected costs to give you a buffer for any unexpected setbacks or delayed projects. If you have the skills to complete your home renovations yourself, you might save money. However, if you lack the skills, you will ultimately end up paying a professional to fix the errors you make anyway.

Will it enhance the value of my home?
If you are looking to renovate your home with a view to selling, you should always consider whether the money you invest will reflect in the value of your property. New ensuites and bathrooms can add up to 5% to a property, while kitchen refits need to be carefully weighed up against the cost of similar properties in the area.

Final thoughts
If you have the skill to complete your home renovations, you might want to do it yourself. The skill level depends on how big the job is, whether it's a kitchen refurbishment or an aesthetic facelift.  Even if you’re skilled, you might be faced with a limited budget, limited time, or a top cap on your overall property value. Consider these questions and enjoy your home renovation project this year.