3 Home Improvement Projects You Don’t Need a Contractor For
To effectively run their businesses, many contractors today mark up their labour rate nearly three times to turn a profit. Fortunately, there are some home improvement jobs you don’t need a contractor for, allowing you to keep that extra labour cost in your pocket.
Painting
Whether it’s interior or exterior, painting is easy, fast, and cheap compared to other home improvement projects, making it a good place to start if you plan on cutting out the contractor. Because the cost of supplies is so low and the hours required for painting are so many, doing the painting yourself will save you in labour costs. However, complex jobs like exterior painting on tall buildings or jobs that require special tools may call for a contractor, depending on your skills and experience.
Installing a Metal Roof
Installing a metal roof is one way many people choose to improve their home whether they are planning to stay or trying to sell. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofs are energy efficient, less susceptible to fire and mould, and impervious to termites. As long as you have a structurally sound roof, you can install your own metal roofing right on top of the existing roof without a contractor, cutting down on time and costs. As intimidating as the task may seem, the directions are pretty straightforward, involving placing wooden strapping and screwing down the metal shingles. Laying the metal ridge cap on the ridge of the roof will give you a better idea of where to place the strapping. According to Absolute Steel, you can save additional money on the cost of supplies, since you can make sure you have exactly as much as you need – no more, no less. It is also important to make sure the screws are not too tight or too loose. Metal roofing materials can be expensive, but without using a contractor those are the only costs that will incur.
Tiling Floors
Tiling your own floors involves little more than breaking up and disposing of existing tiles and laying new tiles on top of a thin layer of mortar. Trowelling mortar and laying tile may require some finesse, but the two skills are not impossible to learn in a weekend. The projects listed here are all good places to start in your DIY home improvement journey, but the complete list of projects you do not need a contractor for is endless.
As your skills and experience improve over time, you will be able to tackle most home improvement projects that do not involve the home’s structure, electricity, or plumbing.
