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Feb 21, 2008 1:16 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Do It Yourself or Hire Someone
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Are you thinking of tackling a home project anytime soon?
We don't have to tell you, some are more challenging than others an there are those that should be left to the professionals. In today's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan has advice on how a homeowner can tell the difference.
The annual Angie's List project poll indicates that homeowners will spend on average about $11,000 on various home improvement and maintenance projects this year. Only 13 percent are expecting to complete the work themselves.
If you're planning to do any home repairs, you may not save money.
"You need to evaluate whether you have the right equipment or are you going to have to rent tools," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
If you're going to rent, you'll need to add those costs in.
"Keep in mind that contractors might get better deals on supplies than you'll be able to," Hicks added.
And then there's the safety issue.
"One member commented they had a tree limb fall on them when they were trying to prune a tree," Hicks said. "Another member reported recently that they shot themselves in the hand with a nail gun."
The bottom line: you need to know how to use the equipment you're renting.
Hicks said do-it-yourselfers could end up with a bigger mess than you start with. When it comes to working with water or electricity you really need to know what you're doing.
"A leaky faucet might not seem like a big project but if you end up flooding your kitchen you could really end up with a big bill versus what it would cost to have someone come fix that faucet," she said.
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 on using 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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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