DIY Myths and Misconceptions About Construction
We all watch HGTV and see people knocking down walls and building their dreams! For those who want to renovate their homes or commercial properties or start flipping houses, but don’t have a ton of start-up cash to hire professionals, DIY might seem like a dream option. What you don’t see is what happens behind the scenes on these shows and the professional crew that supplements TV DIYers. Read on as we dispel some DIY myths and misconceptions.
It’s Cheaper & Faster 
Two of the most common myths and misconceptions about DIY projects is that they will be cheaper and faster. Which is far from the truth. In fact, more times than not it can take the average person twice as long to complete the task at hand instead of hiring a professional contractor team. Not only are contractors trained for this, but they work together to get the job done with quality and efficiency.
Buying your own materials online to “save time” puts you at a few risks that aren’t worth it. When you buy online you are taking on all the risks to verify everything including every little detail yourself. And unless you do hours and hours of research, the average person might make quite a few mistakes. Thus taking even more time to wait for the right item to come, and try to install it yourself. Contractors know exactly what to look for and take the time to make sure your order is correct and that everything will get to them in a timely manner.
HGTV Makes It Look Easy
After you watch an HGTV remodeling show, you might think “this is something I can do”. What those HGTV shows don’t show you is all the hard work that actually goes into a project such as remodeling, and the endless hours an entire professional crew takes to put into that project. They don’t show the “boring” parts or all the hard labor, only the fun and “easy” side of construction. However, if you want to ensure your project is safely done please always hire a general contractor. Not only can they safely get it done, but can ensure the work will always be top quality.
No Need for Permits 
One of the most common misconceptions about DIY is that you can just simply, do it yourself, and not worry about obtaining a permit for the work. This couldn’t be further from the truth! There are a lot of drawbacks to not going through the proper channels when doing any kind of work on your house. Everything from owing back taxes to having issues selling your house as it hasn’t been properly assessed. The best thing to do is hire a professional who can get through all the red tape for you so you don’t have to.
Demo is Fun! 
If you’ve watched any show on HGTV you’ve likely seen a “Demo Day” segment and gotten inspired to take your sledgehammer to that annoying wall that blocks the view of your living room from the kitchen. WAIT! Please don’t do that! There are many hidden items inside your walls that you may not be ready to take on. Anything from pipes to critters, to mold, or other hazards can be lurking in your walls. Additionally, all of that demo leads to a mountain of debris that needs to be properly disposed of. On top of all of that, there are laws and regulations surrounding the demolition of your property that you must adhere to.
Do us a favor and contact us before you take a hammer to your walls. In the event, you have already done it and find yourself with a leaking pipe, or worse, we’re available 24/7 for emergency services.
If you’re considering a DIY approach to major renovations or restoration to your commercial property or home, you might want to reconsider and hire a professional team to save you time, money, and headache. You never know what you’ll find lurking in old walls, so for everyone’s sake, call Classic Construction for a free estimate!