Home Upgrade Guide: DIY Project or Call a Pro?

Posted: Feb 26, 2021 / 10:41 AM EST
Updated: February 26, 2021 / 10:41 AM EST

Photo: ozgurcankaya via gettyimages.com

One of the greatest advantages of being a homeowner is being able to customize and upgrade your space when and how you want. Even small projects like a new paint job can change the look of a room in just one day. However, starting a project that you think will only take a few days can be easy, and it becomes a lot more complicated than expected! Sometimes it’s just better to start with a professional.

Below are simple home improvement ideas that you can do in any room in your home, and the projects that require professional expertise. While you may think you can do more sophisticated work, many systems in your home can be dangerous without proper training. Use this guide to avoid harm while upgrading your room.

kitchen

DIY

Anyone can change the look of their kitchen without needing help. With a lot of tape and the painter’s patience, painting your cabinets can change the aesthetic dramatically. Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls usually only require a screwdriver to change and can add a subtle, personal touch to your cooking area. There are even kits available that can restore or completely change the look of your countertops in just a few hours.

Call a professional

Any repair of kitchen appliances is best left to the experts. Working on your home’s plumbing systems with no experience in installing it can lead to major problems and expensive repairs. This means that most homeowners shouldn’t be doing repairs on dishwashers, garbage disposal, and sinks. Whether gas or electricity, stoves can be dangerous for amateur repairs. Make sure your new equipment comes with the installation included and contact a professional if repairs are required.

Photo: Tulcarion via gettyimages.com

bath

DIY

There are also endless bathroom upgrades that just about anyone can do themselves. A new vanity may be fine, but with some paint, new buttons, and maybe even a new mirror, you can turn any old vanity into something out of a magazine. Wall-mounted mirrors are also easy to replace. With a few standard tools and an extra set of hands, you can add a little more of your style to this old mirror. Consider a peel-and-stick backsplash option to add a little flair to your bathrooms and to keep the theme of your home consistent throughout.

Call a professional

Bathroom repairs that seem straightforward can often be difficult and require a plumber. Consult a professional if you have leaking plumbing or want to rearrange faucets in your bathroom. Aside from trying to stop a leak to prevent water damage, all plumbing repairs must be left to the professionals. Most people can refinish a tile shower, but removing and replacing existing tile can be a huge challenge for beginners. Hire a contractor to do significant bathroom renovations to ensure a quality job.

Everywhere else

DIY

From living rooms and bedrooms to home offices and entertainment areas, there are numerous ways to upgrade that will spend most of your time. Instead of replacing your old carpets, try renting a carpet cleaner to restore what is already there. Dirty carpets look like new after just one cleaning. Like backsplashes, peel-and-stick wallpaper is on trend and an easy way to create a custom look anywhere in your home. Curtains and blinds are easy to replace and can change the appearance of a room significantly. If you want to try your hand at woodworking, pallet wood accent walls look amazing and are an easy project for beginners.

Call a professional

Like in kitchens and bathrooms, the easiest thing to do is to stay away from your home’s internal systems to be safe. An expert should repair any other home appliance such as washing machines and dryers or air conditioners. Changing lights or adding ceiling fans is only possible for qualified electricians. When it comes to pressurized water, gas or electricity, you should turn to the professionals.

With a little work, you can make dramatic improvements to your home in a short amount of time. Stick to cosmetic changes and leave any electrical or plumbing problems for a professional repair. One project can make all the difference. So start upgrading today!

Home Sweet Home is presented by Wheeling Distribution Center. The Wheeling Distribution Center is a hardware store that believes in providing high quality home improvement products that businesses and homeowners can rely on. It is this commitment to excellence that has kept us in business since 1980.

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