Are basement renovations “do-it-yourself” projects or should I hire a contractor?

In order to decide if you should hire a contractor or go it alone when considering your basement renovations, you need to have a realistic idea of how much work is involved with the project and how much technical skill it will require. Also a modest assessment of your own skill is needed to answer this question. There is also the possibility of splitting the work into a few tasks if you are concerned about the cost. Contractors like The Reno Pros can come and do the whole project, from demolition to decorating, but doing some of those chores yourself could save you time and money. Typical tasks the homeowner could do with minimal contractor knowledge would include:
  • Pulling up carpets
  • Taking down drywall
  • Removing light fixtures
  • Clearing out furniture and debris

Homeowners that are mechanically inclined may be able to re-wire fixtures or mount electrical boxes as well. It is not recommended to attempt plumbing-related and breaker box work without having a license to do so. Those types of tasks are highly dangerous for untrained professionals due to the severe risk of injury and property damage if not handled properly. Do-it-yourself basement renovations should only go as far as the homeowner feels comfortable with and that varies for each individual. Most homeowners have jobs or daily responsibilities that require the bulk of their attention, which can cause renovations to drag on for weeks and months, sometimes longer. Aside from a lack of time to work on the project, some will fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” trap where the renovation lingers because it is not a highly trafficked part of the house. The project stalls because the remodel is not impeding daily life. This is a great reason to hire a contractor because they can come in, quote you a price and a completion date, and focus on getting the job done quickly. There are a myriad of reason to renovate your basement. On average the most common reasons seem to be:

  • Family growth
  • Adding more living space
  • Increasing the home’s value
  • Possible rental income

Some of these goals can be done by the homeowner. For instance, making the basement into an area for pets may require nothing more than some basic drywall and a few rugs. A children’s recreation room or guest bedroom may not require plumbing either, which means a couple fixtures; carpet and drywall could complete your project. When it comes to adding walls, floatingbas walls, plumbing and intermediate electrical work, you should consider a professional contractor like The Reno Pros. These types of projects can require a couple of extra hands and framing knowledge to boot, not to mention city permits that may be easier for a contractor to acquire. Contractors like The Reno Pros understand that people don’t have weeks to wait for repairs to be completed. They want to estimate the job and get started quickly so you can get on with your busy life and they can rest knowing the job was finished to your liking. Basement renovations can add great benefits to your home; the decision to do-it-yourself or hire a contractor should be based on the size of the job and your level of competency.