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Home Installations: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro? Here’s How to Know

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Tackling a home installation project DIY-style is great, but only if you’re up to the task. You’ll gain knowledge, acquire skills, and best of all you’ll save money on outsourcing the work. However, some installations may be beyond your comfort level. If that’s the case, you’d be better off hiring a professional contractor. Home Hardware’s Home Installs service is also available to help. Here’s some DIY vs. pro tips to consider, along with some common home installations. These are grouped by level of difficulty to help you decide when to DIY and when to hire a pro.


DIY Installation Considerations

Before starting any DIY installation make sure to research the skills and tools required to do the job right. You also want to be sure it’s worth your time vs. hiring a contractor. Here’s some pros and cons to consider:


Professional Installation Considerations

Hiring a professional may alter your original vision for the project, but through good communication you may end up with a more cost-effective and manageable solution. Here’s some other factors to consider:


Easy DIY Installations

These installations require few prior skills (if any) and can be done in less than a day with inexpensive tools you may already have on hand.

closeup on cabinet hardware against a blue drawer
Someone caulking their window

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 A person painting a front door with a paint brush.

Intermediate Level DIY Installations

These installations are well-suited to someone handy with small to medium DIY projects and repairs. You should have experience with a range of tools and be comfortable familiarizing yourself with new tools and skills if necessary. Project completion may take several days. Remember, you can always consult with a contractor first for advice before trying to do it yourself.

a living room with engineered hardwood flooring
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American Standard Toilets

Plumber fixing bathroom faucet
A freshly painted front door.

Advanced DIY Installations

These installations are recommended only if you’ve mastered a range of skills and are familiar with at least some of the specialized tools required. Even if you consider yourself an advanced DIYer you should definitely consult with a contractor. In the end, it might be best to let a pro handle the job.

A kitchen with new cabinets

A floor-mounted freestanding bathtub

In addition to cutting cost, DIY installations can be very rewarding. You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment from completing the entire project yourself. Do your research to make sure your skill level is up to the task. Remember too, you can always consult with an in-store Home Hardware expert before getting underway.

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