Is it better to do-it-yourself or pay someone?

Question

I'm rebuilding a sunroom that has suffered foundation problems. I can do-it-myself with my father-in-law or I can pay a contractor to do it. Considering finances and time issues, what is better?

Answer 1

This is a question each person must answer for him/herself. There are several issues to consider in this decision. First, consider the skills that are involved in the project. Example: Can you reasonably expect to correct the foundation problems yourself or will the tools and expertise of a specialist be needed? Is the sunroom currently wired for electricity? If so, my advice is to hire that work done unless you are confident in your electrical wiring skills. (Safety first!)

If you have the skills for the project, next consider the time involved. If you have a regular 9-to-5, for most of us that means the rebuild will be done during your weekends, and depending on the complexity of the project, it could be a substantial committment of time. Are you willing to spend the time working on the project, or would you rather be doing something else? Also, do you enjoy the company of you f-i-l, or do you maybe want to get to know him better? You'll be spending a lot of your precisous free time with him, so that's a consideration, too.

For most people, the "right" answer is probably to contract the job out. It's easier to cut a check than to cut a board, and the job usually gets done faster. But for the handypeople of the world, there is nothing like the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

So consider the project carefully, and make the choice that's right for you. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Hire a professional. I'm not a brain surgeon and for this reason I don't perform brain surgery. Now, if I cut my finger I do know how to place a band-aide on it. So what I'm trying yo say is that it all depends on the complexity of the project at hand. Stabilizing and lifting a foundation can be tricky business and you can really screw something up big if your not careful. DON'T BE A WANNA BE. Hire a professional and rest in the comfort of knowing that if he screws it up you can always sue him and/or his insurance company.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

If you really know the art and NOT wasting your time by hits and trials, must do yourself, as it would be economical. BUT, if you are working on hit and trial methods only, you would not only be wasting your precious time but also would be constructing a costly but unstable structure. In that case it is better to pay to the contractor to get some stable and useful structure.

Answer 4

I do all my work myself. But it takes longer. I save $$$ though.
I did hire a man to build a shop for me and the inspector shut it down now it is in court. Go figure.
If you hire someone make sure they have a license, insurance, and permit. Oh yeah don't pay then until it is done. This guy said he was a pro. I was told a pro doesn't charge until the job is done.

Answer 5

Take price of materials times 2 should give you an estimate for hired done.If you can do it yourself then go for it unless you could be doing something that pays more(figure in taxes also) .I mean would a surgeon risk putting on a roof??????

Answer 6

it will always take you three times as long as you think and cost twice as much as you think, i would price contractors, then consider the job and how much you think it would cost you and the work and time, then weigh the choices.

Answer 7

You should do it yourself if you know how to do it properly and have the time. Otherwise, it would be better to hire someone.

Answer 8

A lot depends on your skill level and how much free time you have.

Answer 9

do it youself that way if you miss up you can fix it your self without spending on some one you don't know, plus it will make you say i did that myself.

Answer 10

DIY...more satisfaction and no one rips you off