When to call a professional for your home improvement projects

The move went well and your new home is perfect - except for a few little projects you have in mind. Some of them you can do yourself, like painting the bathroom. Others are more challenging, like installing a new exterior door. Do you accept the challenge and start shopping for a door, or should you hire a professional for your home improvement? Before you get in over your head, ask yourself these questions.

Do I have the time?

Many home improvement projects take weeks rather than days, especially if you're doing it yourself in your spare time. If you're planning to change out kitchen cabinets or countertops, know that your kitchen could be out of commission for a while. Measure the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional installer.

Do I have the right tools?

Rather than look at it as an opportunity to add to your tool collection, consider what special tools you'll need for the home improvement project. For example, installing a tile backsplash or floor calls for a tile saw. If you have more than one tile project, the saw is a good investment. If not, you might be better off calling a professional and using your tool money for one that will get more use.

Do I have the experience?

It’s true. There are lots of books that tell you how to do things. However, some home improvement projects are easier than others. Painting the bathroom requires little more than a bucket of paint, a brush and some time for prep and cleanup. Installing a hardwood floor calls for more, including knowing how to use power saws, nailers and sanders. Before you invest a lot of time in trial and error, consider calling a professional.

Since you just moved into the neighborhood, you might not know who to call for a reliable professional installation. Ask your neighbors or check with the experts at your local home improvement center. Many times, the folks who sell you the products can also help you with a licensed, insured installer. They can probably help you with financing, too.

Here are some home improvement projects that could benefit from a professional installer:

Outside

• Exterior doors
• Garage doors
• Garage door openers
• Roofing
• Siding
• Storage buildings
• Stand-by generators
• Water heaters and windows

Inside

• Carpet
• Tile
• Hardwood and laminate flooring
• Vinyl flooring
• Kitchen cabinets
• Kitchen countertops
• Window treatments