Fall in the Lowcountry is both breathtaking and immensely enjoyable!  The cooler and refreshing temperatures also make for an ideal time to get all of your home projects accomplished.  So, while you’re getting your list of to-dos ready for that final push, keep in mind that while there are many projects that any homeowner can confidently accomplish on their own, there are also many projects that should be completed by professionals.  If you are unsure where to start, a good beginning step is asking yourself some simple questions:

·        Do I have the equipment needed for the project?

·        Is a permit required?

·        Is it dangerous?

·        How time-consuming/costly will it be to DIY?

Once you’ve answered these questions, and weighed the pros and cons for a project, you’ll have a better understanding of whether it’s something worth trying on your own or if you should call someone to take on the project.  Here’s a closer look at what you can accomplish at home and what tasks might require some extra help:

DIY Projects Around the House

·        Laminate Flooring and Carpet.  If you have the right tools and a little extra help from family and friends, laying laminate or new carpet in your house is a fairly simple task.  While it takes quite a bit of concentration and time, it is feasible to do on your own. 

·        Interior Painting.  This is a very easy DIY that can be done by practically every homeowner.  While it might take a couple of coats to get the right color, there’s often no need to have a professional paint the interior of your house unless you don’t have the time.

·        Kitchen backsplash and under-lighting.  There are countless tutorials available online for installing backsplash and under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen.  Doing this yourself is both cost-effective and can be done with little help. 

·        Landscaping.  Get it done soon!  This is entirely weather dependent but most landscaping can be DIY.  While it is certainly time-consuming and takes a bit of research if you’re looking to save money, stick to doing this one on your own or with the help of family and friends.  A good landscaper will cost you 1,000’s of dollars. 

·        Cleaning the Gutters.  This can easily be done without a professional and should be done at least once before winter arrives.  Get all of the leaves out of your gutters to prevent flooding in your home!

 

Better Left up to the Professionals

·        Hardwood Flooring.  This is a much more intricate of a process than laminate flooring or putting in carpet.  Leave this one up to the professionals. 

·        Indoor or Outdoor Plumbing or Electrical Work.  Unless you are a plumber or electrician, error on the side of caution and call a pro.  This line of work should be perfectly done the first time.  Any complications could cause harm to you and damage to your home.  Better safe than sorry for this one!

·        Kitchen/Bathroom Counters.  This is absolutely a job for the pros.  Not only are countertops heavy and very fragile, but they also take an incredibly precise amount of measuring.  Simply put, this job has to be done perfectly and that requires an immense amount of expertise and the right equipment.  This one is worth the price. 

·        Replacing the roof.  Simply put, it just isn’t worth trying to do this on your own unless you’re an expert.  The roof is one of the most important parts of the home and you want to make sure it’s done right.  While a new roof will add value to your home, a poorly constructed roof will decrease the value. 

·        Removing Trees.  If this is something that needs to get done due to invasive roots or the tree dying, call a professional ASAP.  Tree removal requires the correct equipment and can be especially dangerous for yourself and your home, if not done correctly.  Many companies will take care of the cutting, removal, and grinding of the stump for you. 

Use Your Best Judgment

·        Exterior Painting.  This has many different variables.  First, how big is your home?  Panting the exterior of a house is often very time consuming and also includes an element of safety.  If the house is multiple stories, you’ll need a scaffolding and a reliable ladder to get the job done.  While some homeowners might have the expertise and equipment necessary, others would be better suited to just leave it to the pros. 

·        Redoing a Driveway.  Again, there are many factors to repairing a driveway.  How big is the driveway?  Is it in need of a complete repair or just a resealing?  A simple resealing job is a pretty quick and easy task.  However, if you have a large driveway in need of a complete repair, call someone to take on that task for you. 

·        Kitchen Cabinets.  This takes knowledge, tools, and teamwork.  If you have all three, along with confidence in your capabilities, you could accomplish this one on your own. 

Whether you’re trying to save money or limit the amount of people coming in and out of your home, when taking on new home projects, it’s always best to go with your gut.  Keep in mind, everyone has different skill levels and there is nothing wrong with wanting the job done right and leaving it up to a professional. 

 

Don’t forget to stay current with our website for all of your Beaufort community and home needs and reach out to Sonya for all of your home buying and selling questions.