Today I’d like to discuss do-it-yourself projects in your home. Specifically, I’d like to cover things I’m comfortable DIYing in our house and things I’d pay someone else to do.
Clearly, I’m all for DIY (within reason). There are some things Brad and I feel comfortable tackling in our home because of experience or skills we’ve learned from our parents. We’re lucky enough to have a few skilled tradesmen in our family so if we have specific questions we can ask one of them. Or, if we ask nicely, they will come to our rescue and help us out with big projects.
Here are some things we’re comfortable tackling in our house:
painting furniture makeovers
hanging photos and other things on walls
removing and installing toilets
unclogging drains and toilets
installing faucets
minor plumbing issues
minor electrical work (running wire, installing lights, replacing outlets, etc.)
installing thermostats
hanging and repairing drywall
I should add that there are some things we wouldn’t mind taking on, it’s just we haven’t had the chance to do it (e.g. flooring, tiling).
Things we aren’t comfortable tackling in our house:
anything HVAC we can’t troubleshoot by Googling
major electrical (we call in Brad’s electrician dad)
major pipe fitting and plumbing (we call in my pipefitter dad)
repairing major appliances we can’t troubleshoot by Googling (see here)
When our heat pump compressor and coil went out we enlisted my uncle (who owned a plumbing, heating, & cooling company) and his friend to fix everything. Thankfully, we got the family discount. My dad was kind enough to install our water softener and run the new plumbing to it over a year ago.
I’m the painter in this house. Brad’s delicate hands have never lifted a paintbrush. However, this spring I plan to hire someone to paint our great room and master bedroom. Now, before you start judging me, I must remind you that we have vaulted ceilings in those rooms so certain walls are 12-13 tall. I’ve done 100% of the painting in our house because seriously, painting isn’t that hard. I’d much rather paint a room than pay someone else to do it. But, we don’t own a tall enough ladder, and I’d rather pay someone to paint the rooms for me than rent a ladder or scaffolding and painting everything myself. I should probably add that I don’t have the best balance when I’m not pregnant. So there’s that. Don’t worry– I’ll let you know how it goes.
For more DIY inspiration, check out my project gallery and the Homes.com (where I contribute) idea gallery.
What are you a pro at tackling in your home? What would you rather pay someone else to handle? Are you lucky enough to have handy family members or friends who can help with big projects?
Angie Mae says
March 3, 2014 at 7:58 AMWe plan on hiring a pro for our great room as well! I enjoy painting but not that high up!
[email protected] says
March 3, 2014 at 9:14 AMI think our list of what we can handle looks about the same as yours, I just wish we had more handy people in the family. This summer Jesse climbed a giant ladder and painted our 20 ft. tall living room, but we debated hiring someone for a good long while.
Rebecca Havener says
March 3, 2014 at 9:57 AMWe do it all! However, when it comes to plumbing in a new bathroom…I think we’re safer hiring someone else.
AJ Everton says
March 3, 2014 at 4:44 PMI love having a trusted handyman that we go to for certain projects that we can’t do ourselves (or don’t feel comfortable/safe doing.) Last time we called him he threw in a bunch of extra work and didn’t even charge us for it. It is nice to be able to do most things yourself, but really great to have someone you can count on, as well. You’re lucky to have these trusted handymen in your family! Thank you for your post.
[email protected] says
March 3, 2014 at 5:24 PMWe pretty much do everything. And by we, I mean Ryan. We tried to pay someone to do a few things and then we get sticker shock when we get a quote. Thank goodness for google.
Katie says
March 3, 2014 at 6:47 PMWe just got three rooms painted by a professional. All had crazy high ceilings and I did not feel comfortable being up high trying to paint. I am a major dyi-er, but I know my limitations. The rooms have been these dreadful colors for the past five years. We’ve painted every other room in the house by ourselves but never did them bc of the ceiling height. Don’t beat yourself up about that. You’re doing the right thing. And to be honest, sometimes it’s just nice to let someone else do the painting, save your energy for other things around the house!
Leslie says
March 3, 2014 at 9:38 PMHaha. Yeah I’ll do a little DIY. Like painting and simple things. I’m not much for the same things you’ve mentioned. I don’t want to burn anything down. Hah.
Dina says
March 3, 2014 at 10:22 PMOver the years, We have just about DIY’d it all. Hardwood floor, ceramic tile, finished our basement. But one thing my husband and I passed on was painting our great room. We too have vaulted ceilings with an open staircase. Professionals have the correct equipment and will do it in half the time. Good call on your part plus you and nugget don’t need to be exposed to the paint fumes.
poliplastic fixtures says
January 6, 2015 at 9:57 AMOne thing to keep in mind that having the right tools is absolutely vital. buy tools