Before you start a Do-It-Yourself Project... some things to consider - Highlander ConstructionHighlander Construction

Today, there are a number of television shows and magazines devoted to Do-it-Yourself home improvements. In just 30 minutes, an old kitchen can become an upgraded oasis. It looks so simple and you are sure “anyone” could do it. Here’s the problem, nobody tells you that building professionals are completing these television projects over the course of several weeks. Many people get deep into a project before they realize they have bitten off much more than they can chew. Before you take the bite, here are some things to consider.

Know what you want. Sketch out your ideas, research plans or photos of other projects on the internet then take a stroll around a local building supply store such as Lowes or Home Depot to look at materials. Be clear about the project you are about to undertake. Create a budget and know what you are comfortable spending. A trip to a local building supply will also give you a good idea of what things cost. Be sure your budget includes the cost of renting the tools or other items you don’t own. If you decide to contact a contractor (and we think you should), this will help you explain to them the kind and quality of project you expect.

Do your homework! Research your local building codes. Some municipalities require the homeowner to take an exam to ensure they are competent to complete the work prior to issuing building permits. Many times improvements to condos or townhomes are not allowed to be performed by anyone without a contractor’s license. Contact your homeowners association to see if they have any rules regarding Do-It-Yourself improvements. Doing this leg work first, could save you time, money and some major headaches.

Be realistic about your abilities. If you have any doubt about your ability to complete a project, DON’T DO IT!! There are many simple projects that a homeowner can complete without hiring a contractor. Painting or landscaping projects are easy for a homeowner to complete on their own. Projects requiring electrical, plumbing or HVAC upgrades, for example, are probably best left to professionals unless you are well versed with these trades as well as the building codes in your locality. If you aren’t sure about re-wiring your breaker box, by all means, call in a professional! If you call in a contractor after a project goes wrong, you will spend twice as much on the project than if you called them prior to starting. Also, know and be practical about your physical limits. If you aren’t able to kneel on the floor for several hours at a time, laying tile floors in your kitchen is probably not a Do-It-Yourself project for you.

Your time is valuable!! Just as a contractor will charge you for his time, your time is worth something. Homeowners often undertake a Do-It-Yourself project without considering the project could consume every available hour they have until it is complete. If you work full time, a kitchen remodel could take several months of evenings and weekends to complete. A contractor could easily complete the project in half the time while you enjoy some well earned time off work.

If you decide to hire someone:

Know your contractor! Ask friends for recommendations or call your local Home Builders Association or Chamber of Commerce for suggestions. Check to be sure they are licensed and that they have the proper class and designations to perform the work you want. Also, be sure they are properly insured. Ask for Certificates of Insurance and call to verify they are current. In addition, you should always interview your contractor and be comfortable with their level of competency to complete the job. Your contractor should be able to provide a list of references and other projects they have completed. Follow up on these references and make sure this is someone you are comfortable having in your home. Since most projects take place over a period of days or weeks, the contractor you hire will probably be in your home while you are there as well as hours while you are away. Call the Better Business Bureau and check the contractor out on-line to make sure they don’t have any negative reports about them or their services.

ALWAYS!!! get a written and signed contract from your building professional! Be sure that you clearly understand the contract and payment requirements.

Most contractors will also give you a set of specifications for your project that should clearly define the materials to be used on your project. Make sure to go over this with your contractor to be sure you both understand the project and share a vision for the final result.

Ask your contractor about warranties. A Do-It-Yourself project will only carry the warranty on materials from the store, but most contractors will offer a warranty on their services that could last up to one year from the date of completion.

Sometimes Doing-It-Yourself can be fun and educational. Sometimes it becomes a nightmare. Do your homework and allocate the proper amount of time and try not to get too stressed when things go wrong (they usually do at some point in every project). If you know in your heart you don’t have the time, expertise, or patience to do the project right, call in a professional.

Resources from the web:

http://moneysmartlife.com/hire-a-contractor-vs-do-it-yourself/

http://www.nari.org/homeowners/tips/doityourself.asp

Luke Allison

12:04 01 Nov 23

Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. exceeded our expectations in every aspect of our home renovation project. Their design expertise transformed our space with an impressive and thoughtful layout that perfectly suited our needs. The quality of their workmanship is unparalleled—every detail was handled with precision and care.One of the standout features of working with Highlander was their exceptional problem-solving abilities. When faced with the challenge of adding a bathroom to our home, they tackled the project with creativity and skill, seamlessly integrating it into the existing structure. It's a testament to their commitment to finding innovative solutions for their clients.What sets Highlander apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction. They actively collaborated with us throughout the process, ensuring that our vision was realized while also working diligently to meet our budget constraints. Their transparency and open communication fostered a positive and trusting relationship, making the entire renovation experience smooth and enjoyable.Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. is a team of professionals who go above and beyond, delivering not just a renovated space but a home that truly reflects the needs and preferences of its occupants. We highly recommend their services for anyone seeking top-notch construction and development work.

Dave Nash

15:52 11 Sep 23

The Highlander team, Jamie, Julene, and Eric, completed our dream vacation house this summer. We cannot give any one higher marks. We are also picky customers. Jamie edited the design we started with and made it much better. This process started right at the end of the pandemic when inflation was rampant. Jamie’s value engineering cut almost 30% from the architect’s materials specs and allowed us to proceed when otherwise the plan’s cost was a non-starter. Construction started on time. We had a few delays, but they were caused by suppliers, not Jamie’s team. At the end, Jamie was almost 10% below the original budget. Change orders and add is were handled efficiently. There were remarkably few headaches. There was a very small punch list to take care of at the end. The house exceeds any expectations we had going into the process. To say the least, we are very pleased. We told Jamie, Julene, and Eric, at the beginning that if we did this right together, they would be part of the family. They have now been adopted whether they want to be or not.

john mccalla

19:14 30 Aug 23

Highlander Construction is one of the last remaining quality custom builders still doing residential projects in the New River Valley. Even though it was a long process to get to the final product due to their workload, the owner, Jamie, was upfront and honest in their commitments. The tradespeople were conscientious and diligent in delivering a quality product. We are very pleased with the results, and have developed a lasting friendship with Jamie and his staff through this project!

Nate Kiser

04:30 27 Aug 23

Highlander has run several projects for us including the construction of a carwash. The carwash was an incredibly detailed and difficult project on a challenging site, and their attention to detail and work process could not have been better. Their billing is clear and concise. You see exactly what they are doing and what you are paying for that service. In today's market, things rarely go as planned, and their response in those situations is fair and transparent. I highly recommend them not just for their work ethic, but also for their diligence, professionalism and quality.

Susan Wileman

21:27 22 Aug 23

Highlander Construction & Development made our dream retirement home a reality! From the start of the unique design through the entire construction, their professionalism and quality were second to none. We recommend Highlander to anyone who wants a superior custom home.

Cindy Cunningham

14:48 22 Aug 23

We love our new kitchen, family room renovation. The quality of work was excellent and done by professionals who were also kind and respectful. The company responds to questions and provides follow-up services quickly and efficiently. I recently needed a cabinet drawer repaired and Jamie and Eric responded immediately to our needs and made the repair without charge.Thank you for making our home beautiful and functional. We love it!

Highlander Construction

New River Valley's Premier Custom Home Builder

Before you start a Do-It-Yourself Project… some things to consider