Home Improvement

Should you hire a pro or do it yourself?

By Terri McGraw

Wondering what you need to know to take on a home improvement project? Whether you’re fixing a leaky toilet or renovating an entire bathroom the most important thing is for you to do your research. Calling in a pro and saying, “I have no idea what is wrong,” is just asking for trouble. Know your problem or your goal and talk to more than one person about how you want to get it accomplished. The more educated you are on your project the happier you will be with the end results.

D-I-Y or call in the pros? It’s always an important question. There are a lot of home repairs that the average person can take on himself or herself with a little research. Utilize the knowledge of the staff at your local hardware store or home improvement center; they are a great source of information. You can also search the internet for
information. My site (www.mrsfixit.com), for example, has step-by-step instructions for hundreds of simple home repairs and improvements, from painting tips and techniques to toilet troubles to tools. Before you start a project take some time to understand the system or area you’re working on and the tools you’ll be using. Always wear and use the proper safety equipment and take precautions like turning off electricity at the circuit box for electrical repairs, turning off the water supply for plumbing repairs and providing yourself with proper light and ventilation for other projects.

Also, make sure that you have the right tools. Using a tool for something other than its intended purpose could end in injury. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling a repair yourself, don’t be afraid to hire someone to do it for you. If you’re really unsure about what you’re doing, you could cause more problems, rather than fix them.

KNOW THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK
If you do decide to hire a professional, there are some important questions to ask and steps to take that will safeguard you from poor workmanship or dishonest people. Know your project and be specific about what you want – this is your home and no place to be wishy-washy about what you need done. Know your workers. Talk to
your family and friends about work that they have had done, who did it and whether they’re happy with the work.

Get written estimates from at least three different people. This gives you a chance to talk to more than one professional about the problem or project and get their take on what needs to be done, and it gives you a base of comparison.

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples and remember the lowest quote is not necessarily the best quote. Look at the differences in cost of materials and labor. The last thing you want is less expensive parts, which may break down, causing more problems down the road. Ask if the company is insured and make sure that you will not be responsible for their workers or suppliers. Ask to see their insurance certificates and ask if they offer a warranty on their parts and performance. When making your decision, call your local Better Business Bureau to make sure that there are no claims against the company.

SEALING THE DEAL
When you enter into a contract with your repair company, make sure that all pertinent information is in your contract, including what will be done, what materials will be used, a confirmation that work will be done to code for your area, that all necessary permits will be obtained and an agreed-upon date of completion. The contract should also define who is responsible for clean-up resulting from your repair. For example, many plumbing improvements and repairs require demolition work and the repair to walls and floors may not be covered. Always ask. The contract should also state that you will not be responsible for any liens against the company resulting from the work at your home. For example, if the repair person buys and installs parts and then does not pay their suppliers).

Also be sure to include a payment schedule. Typically you will be asked to pay a portion up front, but never, under any circumstance should you pay the full amount in advance or before the completion of the project. Be sure that you get receipts for any monies paid and make sure that it states the nature of the payment.

Once work has started, check on the progress. Check the materials; watch the workmanship and the workers. This is your home and you have a right to know what is happening, plus any company of merit will understand. The same goes for when the project is complete. Inspect the job carefully with the repairperson. Have them tell
you what they did and point out any special things you should know. When you’re satisfied with the work and the explanation, pay the final expenses and get a receipt for the work.

The bottom line in any home repair or contracting project is to be in the know. Know what is wrong, know how to fix it or know what questions to ask to get someone else to do it. Good luck with all of your home repair and improvement projects.

Mrs. FIXIT (Terri McGraw) is the author of two books on home care and repair. Mrs. FIXIT Easy Home Repair (Simon & Schuster) and Mrs. FIXIT’s Pantry Power (Meredith) which can be found in book stores and on the web at www.mrsfixit.com. She is also the host of the Mrs. FIXIT Home Care and Repair Television News Segments.

CRITIQUING YOUR GARDENING NEEDS
You’ve probably spent hours this year already, reviewing and re-evaluating your landscape needs checking out fertilizers, bed materials, plantings, even a new trellis or garden stone that may be on your list of necessaries. Home centers provide a general variety of plants, shrubs and garden needs for the “do it yourselfer” while many garden centers provide a more diverse line of plantings and supplies at a slightly higher cost. In both cases, you probably will have an installation dilemma. Home centers only provide the product with a limited warranty while some garden centers do not offer warranties to homeowners. Those warranties may only be for the
purchased value as opposed to exact plant replacement. They realize that the homeowners may lack the knowledge and skill to properly install planting stock. Our landscape designers can critique your needs as well as offer a guarantee for all plant installations. Their experience in design and installation provide a professional approach. What better way to be sure that not only will the install be correct but, also have a 100 percent replacement warranty.

If you have a “green thumb” and don’t mind the physical labor, minor landscape jobs are good weekend projects. First hand, you need to design a drawing for you to work with. Keep in mind that sun exposure, grading, soil type and animal control need also to be considered. In most cases, homeowners believe that “doing it yourself” always saves money. Like any field, there is a demand for professional landscape designers.

Going to a garden center is probably a good start. Take time to preview any shrubbery you may consider for installation as well as plantings. Size and availability may also limit your choice. Most landscape installers work directly with many garden, nursery or wholesale centers. Nurseries or wholesale businesses may not be open to homeowners but, do sell product directly to landscape contractors. While the garden center may carry the particular plantings in the size or color desired, a landscape
designer will have the experience to offer a design approach that could utilize other plantings in a more diverse and proper manner. Some nurseries specialize in only particular types of trees or plants. In spring, most garden centers bring in a selection of product from “out of state” locations. Some of those locations may not be compatible to your landscape site, temperature or soil conditions. There is a lot to know and research to do before you take the first step in doing any landscape installation yourself. Keep in mind that even the best weekend gardeners probably have not considered all factors they should have in order to create a successful and lasting landscape. Your next garden project may be bigger than you anticipated. Sometimes, it is best left to the professionals. Experienced landscape designers will coordinate, design, install and warranty a professional landscape especially for your home and needs and warranty the workmanship.

Our landscape designers have been serving the needs of homeowners since 1977.

J R. Landscape & Management Services; 908-665-2184

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