When a floor has reached the end of its life and cleaning it no longer enhances it, it may be time to consider replacing it. Whether you are looking to repair the worn wood in your entryway, replace wall-to-wall carpeting, or place ceramic tiles in your kitchen, you may be contemplating saving money by undertaking a flooring installation yourself. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional for your project.
Costs
Money tends to be the driving factor in home improvement projects. Assuming you can save money by tackling the project yourself depends on things such as your skill level and availability. It is important to list out all costs for your flooring installation project before taking action so that you are aware of what lies ahead of you. Compare the costs for a DIY to the costs of hiring a professional.
DIY costs:
- Flooring materials
- Equipment for removal of old material and placement of new materials
- Tools and supplies (i.e. grout, stain, sealer, nail guns)
- Repairs for mistakes made
Professional costs:
- Preparation and installation labor fees
- All materials needed
- Cleanup and disposal of debris
Hiring a professional may seem expensive due to labor costs, but you can cut down some of those fees by doing some of the work yourself beforehand. Clearing furniture, prepping before the flooring installation project, or performing the cleanup and disposal yourself will save you money and speed up the process. Additionally, electing to spend the extra money to hire a professional will ensure you receive high-quality and hassle-free work.
Skill Level
A DIY project may appear to be an opportune time to learn new skills, but you must be willing to put in the time and effort required to complete the task. The placement of different flooring materials requires varying skill sets and levels.
Tile – The placement of tile is tricky if you lack experience with adhesives and it requires a moderate level of proficiency. Many homeowners place tiles incorrectly, resulting in uneven surfaces or cracked grout lines.
Hardwood – Knowledge of woodworking is required to accurately measure and cut boards. You should also be very familiar with hammers or screw guns.
Carpet – If you want the finished look to appear professional, the carpet requires a high level of proficiency. Special tools and accuracy are needed.
Laminate – Knowing how to prevent buckling and how to choose the best underlayment material is required. Laminate needs to be acclimatized to prevent expansion and contraction under certain weather conditions.
Additionally, if the design of the room where work is being performed is complex, it may be ideal to have an expert do the work.
Typically, most homeowners find it is far more convenient to have an expert do the job. Trying to do it yourself could easily be outweighed by the damages you could cause. The professional is skilled in operating the equipment and can ensure your flooring installation job will be done accurately.