There is a lot to like about completing a project on a DIY – or do it yourself – basis. First, of course, is the cost savings. By doing the work yourself, you save on labor costs, which typically run in the neighborhood of 50% of the overall job. So, for example, if you are thinking that materials for your upcoming roofing project will run somewhere around $5,000, you could stand to save somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000 by doing the job yourself. For that kind of money, it is easy to talk yourself into putting on your boots and getting to work.
Of course, there is more to think about than just cost savings. It doesn’t do you any good to save money if the work is done poorly or incorrectly, so you have to be sure that you are going to get the job done right if you do it yourself. Do you have the necessary DIY skills to pull it off? Some people do, but many don’t. Being honest with yourself right upfront at the start of the project is an important step toward avoiding frustration along with wasted time and money.
You Can’t Fake Experience
What do you do for a living? No matter what field you are in, you hold a level of experience that non-professionals simply can’t match. That is the case with roofing. Those who do this kind of work for a living are far more qualified to complete the task than someone who is doing it on a DIY basis. Of course, that doesn’t mean it is impossible for the average homeowner to install a new roof, but you need to think twice before giving it a go. The experience that a professional roofer has gained over years on the job is something that you will be unable to replicate. If there are problems that come up along the way, a professional crew will know how to deal with them efficiently.
When Will You Do the Work?
Even if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to install a roof, when are you going to get it done? Most people don’t have enough time (or energy) to put on a new roof while continuing to work at their full-time job. That means you will likely have to take vacation time off of work in order to complete the job – and most people can think of far better ways to spend their precious vacation time than working on top of their house. If you think you are just going to squeeze the job in when you have spare time, you will be looking at a project that might never end.
You need to Stay Safe
Installing a new roof is a job that inherently has its dangers. First, you have to get up the ladder and onto the roof, which can be a dangerous task in its own right for someone who doesn’t do it regularly. Also, you will need to move around on the roof while carrying heavy items like shingles in order to actually do the work. The stakes are high when working on a roofing projects, because one slip and fall could have disastrous consequences. Not only will a professional roofer contractor have employees with the experience needed to do this job safely, they will also have the right safety equipment to protect their team members.
In the end, most people will be better off turning this job over to a professional roofer. The desire to do the work on a DIY basis is commendable, but this is a job that begs for experience and the right equipment in order to be completed correctly. Invest your money in a quality contractor and save your time for other endeavors.
