 Constructor |
| Do it yourself or hire a contractor? When you finally decide to renovate or refurbish your home, do you really want to do all of the work or some of it yourself? Do you have the time and skills? Are you sure you're ready to get on with the project and worked out what is required before you start? How do you know if the job is one that you can comfortably handle or are you better off calling in a professional to deliver the right quality of project work for you? |
What do you want to do? You may have been thinking and planning the much desired “changes & enhancements, but have you considered everything? What is your objective and have you collated your ideas, maybe from magazines or showrooms; can you translate your ideas in to a working plan? More importantly, have you considered your possible budget? Create your own “wish list” and set out your requirements and specifications. This will refine the project in your own mind, and give you a clear plan of your project for briefing prospective contractors. For most of us, working with contractors is the only way to get renovations and improvements handled professionally. |
Remember Local regulation and building codes vary across Europe. In some regions, you can rewire, extend a building, and add the gas and re plumb without a thought. In other places, it is a good thing for practical safety reasons; you are required to use a licensed professional do the job. |
| Be realistic about your resources & budget Be realistic -- don't underestimate or overestimate your budget. Check for how long the will task take, can you visualise how all the components required for your project will be quality managed? Could you do as high-quality a job as a pro; will the finish be done to your own quality standards? Do you have the time? In this hectic world, you may not have the time to find a specialist. You might actually like the challenges of maintenance and refurbishment jobs! It will make better use of your time, doing your real job, playing golf, having fun with friends and family, while you let craftsmen get on with the job. Save your time, hire a professional, go with a registered contractor instead of going the do-it-yourself route. |
| Compare the real costs Contractors charge for materials plus labour and fees. Doing it yourself, you only have the cost of materials? Not exactly, what about the tools, transport of, and supply of materials? Do you have all the “little extras” craftsmen have as a matter of course? Consider all these costs when comparing the quote from a registered contractor to what it could cost you after several trips to the D.I.Y. store for everything you will need. When you pay a contractor, you're paying in part for fully equipped, experienced, skilled specialists. The end cost to you, will give you the desired enhancements and peace of mind... |
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