If you are looking at undertaking a building project around your home or business, you may be starting to wonder whether you should hire a builder or do-it-yourself (DIY). Before you answer this question, however, there are a number of things that you should take into consideration first:
- Do you enjoy physical labour? If the answer is no, then you are not going to enjoy a DIY building job.
- Are you persistent and patient? If the answer is no, then your project is likely to be forgotten about midway or will sit unfinished for months.
- Do you have all the tools and skills needed to complete the building job? If the answer is no, you are likely to encounter extra costs for hiring equipment and may even botch the job.
- Do you have the time it will take to complete the job? If the answer is no, your building project will either remain or unfinished or take a huge amount of time to be.
- Do you know what the building codes and permit requirements are for your area? If the answer is no, you may find that you need to hire a builder for your job anyway.
- Do you know what to do if you botch the job? If the answer is no, you may be forced to fork out for a builder anyway.
- Do you know if it is safe for you to undertake the project? If the answer is no, you should seek help from a builder who knows what they are doing.
- Do you have any DIY experience? If the answer is no, you may find that the project is too big for someone inexperienced to attempt.
Generally, if it is a small job, DIY is fine, but if you are attempting to build a house from scratch or add an extension, it is always best to hire a home builder. This will prevent accidents, botched jobs and ensure that the finished house is of a high quality.
