A home is one of the most important things you can own. Without it, there would be no sanctuary from the 100+ degree heat we Georgians know as a typical summer day. It is essential to make sure that you take the time to update your home.

Whether it be something small like a cosmetic touch up, or trying to make sure the home is as efficient as possible in its energy usage, there are many things to consider.

Before you pick up a power saw and try to knock down that pesky wall that seems out of place, here are some things you want to ask yourself before undertaking that new project:

1. How much will this cost? Before you pick up a tool, you should at least have an idea of this number.  What are the cost of tools and materials? How many people are needed for the project? These seem like obvious questions, but how long will you be without the area you are having repaired? A closet space or basement may not be a problem, but what about your kitchen? If you don’t plan on finishing it in a day, you’ll need make other arrangements.  A major renovation such as a kitchen or bedroom will require planning. Bringing in a professional can at the very least give you an idea of what your costs and time requirements are.
2. Do you know what you are doing? I know, this seems like a common sense answer and you can move on to step 2, right? Well, before you do, consider some of these questions: Is your project going to effect the structure and stability of your house? Does your project require any permits from the county? What exactly is “up to code?” Do you have the right tools for the job? Cosmetic changes can typically be handled DIY, but things like additions to existing structures, plumbing, or electrical work should be left to the professionals.  All it takes is one live wire or one open water valve to be a serious hazard. What’s great about this day and age is that so much information is on the internet. The problem is, there is so much misinformation on the internet.  What can seem like a one size fits all solution on YouTube could result in even more damage to your home.  Knowing what is and isn’t sound advice is paramount, which leads into…
3. Do you trust who you’re talking to? There’s no shame in asking for help, but finding the right people to ask can seem daunting.  Word of mouth and asking friends is great, but sometimes you’ll run into a unique problem. Sites like Angieslist.com or Houzz.com are great sites to find local pros who can help you with any problem you may run into. Check their ratings. Check their reviews. No one will be more honest with you than someone who has had work done from that professional. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with asking someone for their credentials.  In fact, this is encouraged. If someone is honest and deserving of your work, they will have no problem putting their money where their mouth is. If they aren’t able to demonstrate years of great work and reliable results, they don’t deserve a dime from you.

DIY projects are exciting undertakings that give one of the best feelings of accomplishment. However, not all projects are DIY, and that’s okay.  Knowing when to call in the pros is as important as knowing what you can do, and calling them in can be the difference in a single day project or an ongoing disaster.

When in doubt, ask for help. And if they’re the right kind of people who know the job, who know the area, and can show that time and time again they get the desired results, that’s the kind of people you’ll want for this project and the next one.