Money-Saving Home Projects

By Courtney Klosterman

DIY is surging in response to rising costs, with 55 percent of homeowners planning to take on more DIY projects this year, according to a report from Hippo home insurance. But there are some projects that homeowners should leave to the pros. Below are common home issues, what can be done DIY and what should be left to the pros.

Water and Moisture-related Issues

Even minor water and moisture-related issues can devolve into serious damage over time. Promptly addressing plumbing leaks or water damage can help prevent costly repairs. Homeowners can and should tackle minor moisture issues, like small leaks under sinks, with basic plumbing solutions, but extensive water damage, like flooding or mold infiltration, should be handled by professionals.

Structural and Exterior Concerns

Identifying structural or exterior issues can help prevent severe weakening of the home’s framework. Maintaining windows, doors, and siding also helps prevent weather-related wear and energy efficiency issues. Homeowners can typically complete smaller tasks, like sealing hairline cracks in driveways or patching up minor siding damage. Structural or major exterior damage requires expert assessment and repair to ensure safety and maintain property value.

System and Appliance Failures

Early detection of issues in critical systems like HVAC or water heaters helps ensure uninterrupted comfort and safety. Preventing or addressing these issues quickly can also help save money on replacements. Simple fixes like replacing appliance filters or unclogging a dryer vent are manageable for most homeowners. However, certified technicians should be contacted for complex or system-wide failures, like HVAC breakdowns or plumbing system issues.

Refresh Windows and Doors

Giving your windows and doors a face-lift can help improve your energy efficiency, ensure that pests and moisture stay out, and help dampen outside noise. Remove old caulking if needed and apply new caulk and weatherstrip gaps in doors and windows. Window replacement can be a challenge for inexperienced DIY’ers, and most should call a professional.

Energy-efficient upgrades

Small-scale DIY upgrades can be both affordable and easy to install. For example, programmable thermostats can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Instead of manually changing the temperature, you can set a heating and cooling schedule that matches your household. You can also find ones that adjust the temperature based on the weather or can learn and adapt to your preferences over time. Some upgrades, like solar panels, can require large upfront costs to cover equipment, installation, and labor.

DIY or Call a Pro?

The key to a successful DIY project lies in strategic planning. If you’re embarking on DIY projects as a way to meet your financial goals, it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether or not you should tackle a project on your own. Homeowners who bite off more than they can chew run the risk of costly errors that require professional repairs. This can quickly overshadow the potential cost savings of DIY. 

Here are tips to help you decide when it’s time to DIY or call in an expert: 

• Honestly evaluate your skills and experience level when it comes to the specifics of your project. 

• Break down the project into smaller tasks. Identify which tasks you can confidently handle and which require specialized skills.

• Weigh the potential cost savings of DIY against the potential costs of mistakes or delays. Factor in the cost of renting tools or purchasing specialized materials.

• Consider your available time and the project timeline. If time is limited, hiring professionals might be more efficient.

• Some tasks, like electrical or plumbing work, require specific licenses and expertise. Prioritize safety by hiring professionals for these tasks.

• Be aware of local building codes and permits. Professionals can often navigate these complexities more efficiently.

• For tasks that significantly impact the project's outcome (e.g., foundation work, roofing), consider hiring professionals to ensure quality and longevity.

— Courtney Klosterman is home insights expert at Hippo home insurance.