When is it OK to DIY in Home Design?
Being a homeowner means constantly trying to balance keeping the home up to date with staying on budget. Which is why many people opt to make repairs and upgrades themselves. And while the enthusiasm might be there, the skills might not, meaning that it might be better to call the pros from the start. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we understand the drive to save money while still making home improvements, so we support the DIYers everywhere. But we also know that sometimes it’s smarter (and even cheaper in the long run) to have a skilled tradesperson take care of the task. Read on for tips on how to decide if it’s OK to DIY.
Questions to Ask Before Starting the Project
Doing a project yourself can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. But before you start knocking down walls or tearing out pipes, consider the following to determine if it’s better to hire a contractor:
- Will this be safe for me? Many renovations or projects can lean on the dangerous side, especially if electricity or precarious heights are involved. Before you install that new fuse box or try to replace your shingles, ask yourself if you could get injured doing the work. If the answer is yes, it’s time to call a pro.
- Are my skills up to completing this project? While smaller home projects can be easy enough to knock out, some more complex ones require practice and skill. Have you cut tile before? Have you worked on HVAC systems? Are you comfortable taking on a major renovation if it means you might be learning as you go? As a general rule of thumb, you’ll more likely want to contract with a licensed professional if you’re looking to fix anything involving electricity, water, or heat sources.
- Do I have the time? The money savings might be a big draw, but home projects can often take up a lot of time—including evenings, weekends, and any other spare moment outside of your regular job. And if you’re wanting the project done quickly, you might not have enough hours in the day to get it done. If that’s the case, hiring someone to take care of the project might be your best solution.
DIY Caveats With Window Fashions
Surely you’ve seen off-the-shelf window treatments in your local home goods store. And it can be a great temptation to purchase those shades, blinds, or draperies to just hang on your own at home. And while that can be a temporary solution, you might find that you’re not happy with it in the long run. Here’s what you’ll get from Altra Home Décor customization and professional installation:
- Proper fit and measurement for your selected product, including understanding how to manage windows that aren’t perfectly square.
- Understanding mounting depth.
- An eye for seeing if the window’s woodwork or any hardware (like cranks) will be an issue for installation.
- Advice on how furniture placement might impact your final look.
- Knowledge about how to install the treatment for the best light control.
Furthermore, the professional installer will use the most advanced equipment and techniques when measuring and installing. As you can guess, anything less than a perfect fit means less than perfect performance and look. So don’t hesitate to spend a little extra money on the professionals—it will be money well spent.
Professionally Installed Window Treatments in the Greater Phoenix, Peoria AZ Areas
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
