Managing your own home updates and repairs can be rewarding, but there are some tasks that fall outside the realm of do-it-yourself projects.
Certain projects should be left to the pros, while smaller items can be added to your personal “to do” list.
To safely gauge if a task is apt for homeowner or professional, we have put together a guide. Read further to test your knowledge!
Beginner home project
Ideally, a beginner home project would include little to no tools. More than likely, any supplies needed for the project would be found in the basic homeowner’s tool kit.
The time frame for a beginner home project should only last you a couple of hours or a day.
Knowledge needed: More than likely, the skills needed for these projects are already inherited from the problem-solving skills you learn throughout life. How to turn a screwdriver, use a paintbrush, and how to hammer a nail.
Additionally, beginner home projects are typically not very labor-intensive. You should not have to lift over 50 pounds.
Examples of these kinds of projects:
- Interior painting
- Patching holes in drywall
- Changing a ceiling light
- Fixing a sticking door
- Tightening a leaky faucet
- Replacing an air filter
Intermediate home project
These types of tasks walk a fine line between intermediate and expert. There are certain budget and strength restrictions to be aware of, and possible permitted work to consider.
The time frame of these tasks can extend days and even weeks. Usually, these tasks require a special tool, but they may be offered at a low rental rate from your local hardware store.
Because of this, homeowners may be willing to push their limits to achieve their desired results at a lower cost.
Knowledge needed: Many intermediate projects involve plumbing and electrical, so there will need to be basic knowledge of those systems. There also might be extraneous effort involved in these tasks, for extended amounts of time.
Examples include:
- Exterior painting
- Floor sanding
- Toilet replacement
- Replacing an electrical outlet
- Building a floating, ground-level deck
- Building a retaining wall
- Refinishing a hardwood floor
- Installing a new circuit breaker
Expert home projects
More than likely, these tasks will need to be pulled off by licensed professionals. Expert home projects often require permits, codes, and zoning. The tools used in these projects are often very specific and specialized.
These projects extend for weeks and even months.
Knowledge needed: Specific and expert knowledge of electrical systems and machinery is often needed to accomplish an expert home project task. Not only will you need to know how to use power tools, but you will have to have had years of experience handling them. A “how-to” video simply will not cut it here.
Examples of expert home projects:
- Bathroom remodeling
- Kitchen remodeling
- Building a raised deck
- Roof replacement
- Water heater replacement
- Removing a load-bearing wall
Always make sure you are using a licensed handyman or contractor for serious projects. If you start what was meant to be a DIY project, and it has turned into more than you can handle, immediately stop at a safe point and research your options.