Feeling a little restless in your Arizona home? Is it time to invest in an improvement to enhance the property’s functionality, aesthetics, or resale value? Home improvement is one of the key benefits of buying rather than renting. Any changes you can dream of, barring code violations, are your prerogative.
As exciting as a finished home project can be, the work itself can be arduous and stressful. Larger renovations take time, planning, money, and physical effort, and these things can add stress to your life. Plus, the more complex the project, the harder it is to complete on your own.
While DIY is a popular trend among homeowners investing in improvement projects, almost every task you can imagine could be done by the professionals. In some cases, contractors can manage smaller projects, allowing you to focus on other priorities. In other cases, relying on professional expertise is necessary to ensure the home is safe to live in. Let’s look at six home projects where it might make sense to bring in the professionals for assistance.
A New Roof
Often, the roof feels more like an aesthetic feature than a functional one. Many people invest in upgrades because of how the roof looks rather than its actual condition. But if there are issues with the roof, the whole house can suffer.
Installing a roof requires significant hard work, precision, and technical expertise. You may be able to handle some DIY when removing old shingles, but if you are investing in a new material for the replacement, a skilled professional is more likely to get the job done right. The slightest gap or miscalculation could result in thousands of dollars in water damage when rain arrives. For that reason, professional roofers can ensure structural security.
Bathroom Remodel
Although we prefer to keep our bathrooms closed, the reality is that these rooms are essential for basic hygiene. An aging bathroom can become a real problem if fixtures are faulty, gaps allow moisture to reach where it shouldn’t, or mold develops. If the remodel includes any bathroom water fixtures, don’t underestimate the importance of plumbing.
A well-designed Arizona home has an excellent plumbing system, and this is only possible if it is designed and installed by professionals who know what they are doing.
Anything Involving Electrical Work
Electricity is essential in every home. It connects all the machines, appliances, and power outlets to the grid through a complex network of wires, breakers, and other components. Electrical problems are some of the most common causes of house fires, so any project that may affect wiring in your house should involve professional electricians.
These individuals have completed Arizona C-11/CR-11 electrical license training, passed exams, and worked under more experienced professionals before becoming professional contractors. Whether you are replacing a lighting fixture or undertaking a complete kitchen renovation, ensure the electrical contractor has extensive knowledge and experience. And speaking of kitchens…
Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is essentially the beating heart of your house. No one can live without food and water, and these essential resources are primarily provided by a kitchen. A full kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home projects, but it can also be the most rewarding in terms of investment and functional upgrades.
For this reason, professional contractors or consultants should be involved. Doing it yourself will require extensive physical labor, but a team can complete the job much faster, so you can use your kitchen again soon. Even if you work only with consultants to plan the demolition phase and the kitchen design, this will reduce the risk of a critical structural error. Additionally, you will need electricians and plumbers to connect all new appliances and lighting safely.
Siding
Returning to the home’s exterior, siding is just as important for protecting your home as the roof. Many advances have been made in siding material options, so you don’t have to choose straight vinyl if you want more character in the design. However, it is essential to have the siding installed correctly, regardless of the material.
Siding is a complex project because it involves significant interlocking pieces on a vertical surface. It also involves working at great heights if you have a house with more than one floor above ground. Even if you have knowledgeable friends, it is safer to hire people who have been doing siding for years.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are important systems. When the hot summers arrive in Arizona, you’d better hope your AC system is functioning at full capacity. HVAC technicians and repairmen provide essential services to homeowners nationwide. They can address the unusual sounds you hear when the heat comes on, or replace the entire system to prepare for summer or winter.
Don’t compromise your home’s safety by tackling these upgrades when you lack the necessary expertise. Call in the experts and let them handle the project from start to finish.
Contractors Can Make Your Home Projects Less Stressful
Working with strangers to make improvements to your property can be stressful, especially if you choose the wrong contractor. But the cost of making a mistake that requires thousands of dollars of repairs is far riskier. If you attempt to replace a pipe without knowing the proper procedure, you could cause significant water damage to your Arizona home. That money could have been saved by just paying a professional plumber.
These specialists exist to make homeowners’ lives easier. Instead of insisting on DIY because it is “more satisfying,” or “cheaper,” make sure you have the right people working on the project. DIY should be reserved for smaller, less consequential initiatives.