You are dead set upon redoing the tile in your bathroom; aquamarine has been out of style for years. Or maybe it’s an entire kitchen overhaul? Or you’re opening up your main floor by removing a wall. Whatever DIY project you want to start, it’s going to take lots of time and money to finish. Starting a home remodel or repair can be a huge commitment some homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late. Once you knock a hole through your wall, it will stay there until it is fixed. Before you dust off your toolbox and put on your overalls, here are 3 questions you must ask yourself before starting a DIY project. 

Do I need to repair this immediately? 

This is the most important question you need to ask yourself. Do I need to repair this and, if so, how quickly does it need to be done? A repair is different than a remodel, or sometimes, they can even go hand-in-hand. A remodel can be totally cosmetic: redoing the walls in the bathroom or bringing the basement into the 21st century. But a repair is fixing something that needs to be fixed. A leaky faucet is different from a malfunctioning water heater. It wouldn’t be the same if you called a professional about a broken air conditioner. The technician will examine your AC and figure out the problem and how to fix it. Whatever your level of expertise at DIY, you won’t know exactly what the problem is every time. Depneding upon the timeframe, you can study and research how to handle the specific repair. 

Do I have the experience necessary?

Let’s face it, we all aren’t as experienced as 3JM Exteriors Inc. is with chicago flat roof repair. Most everyone knows that how to unscrew a lightbulb, but working on your home’s power grid is another story. Of course, online sources like YouTube and How To websites offer plenty of resources to help with any home repair. However, watching someone do a repair is much different than doing the exact same thing yourself. Before you start a DIY repair, be honest with yourself and your abilities. Hire a professional if you have any doubts. 

Do I have the funds for this repair? 

Lastly, do you have the funds for the repair? Sure, it would be nice for the hot tub to work again, but if you don’t have the money, that might not be the best idea. It’s also important to prioritize household repairs. If the air conditioning and dishwasher are both on the fritz, deciding which one to repair on a limited budget is crucial. Also, the cost of hardware and materials varies from time to time. Keep an eye out for an ideal time to purchase your supplies before you start your DIY project.