Home Improvement 101: DIY or Why Not

Home Improvement>Moving

November 22, 2021

During 2020, many of us discovered we could, in a pinch, create schools, offices, bars, movie theaters, and even dance studios out of the spaces in our homes. These small victories have opened our eyes to the satisfaction — and cost savings — of DIY, and led many of us to plan for further home improvement projects.

According to a 2021 survey of homeowners, in addition to landscaping and outdoor spaces, these four areas of the house are highest on the list of priorities for renovations or upgrades: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and office. But not all renovations are created equal, and even skilled DIYers have to hand over the screwdriver to professionals sometimes. Below, for each popular project, we’ve outlined some tasks you can take on yourself and what’s best left to the pros.

Bathroom

 

DIY:

DIY Not:

  • The possibility of costly water damage or issues with sewage means adding or relocating plumbing rough-in should always be handled by a professional plumber.
  • Even accomplished DIYers tend to lack the skill and experience necessary to hang and finish drywall flawlessly — it’s well worth it to bring in a contractor.
  • While putting in a toilet or faucet is relatively uncomplicated, shower or tub installation is an intricate job, and best left to a pro who can ensure a tight seal to avoid leaks.

Kitchen

 

DIY:

  • Whether faux stone, subway tile, mosaic, or even wood, adding a backsplash using one the many prefabricated options on the marketis a quick, easy, and rewarding project.
  • Even a DIY newbie can switch out pendant lighting with little prior experience, creating an instant update to the look of the room.
  • If new custom cabinetry isn’t in the budget, painting the cabinet boxes, drawers, doors, and shelves can transform the kitchen with some solid prep and elbow grease.
  • Looks aren’t everything; replacing an old garbage disposal will keep things fresh in your kitchen, and can be done with common tools and some light reading on the process.

DIY Not:

  • Hanging new cabinets so they’re plumb, level, and secure requires more than a little math, tools not common to homeowners, and — in most cases — more than one person. It’s best to hire this job out.
  • Improper installation of a gas stove can lead to worst-case scenarios like poisoning or fire; always hire a professional for this kind of work.
  • Adding a skylight is a great way to bring more light into your kitchen, but it can also bring leaking, flooding, and mold if not installed correctly. Look for a contractor experienced in exteriors.

Bedroom

 

DIY:

  • Hanging a ceiling fan, as long as there’s a prewire or existing light fixture, can be done in an afternoon and keep your room comfortable all year long.
  • A DIY headboard helps infuse your sleep space with a little personality, and can be crafted from a variety of materials in a weekend.
  • A splash of color goes a long way and you don’t need to be a pro to paint your walls. For something different, try painting an accent wall or even what’s known as the “fifth wall,” your ceiling.

DIY Not:

  • Creating a primary suite by combining two smaller bedrooms or unused space is an involved job that requires knocking down walls and putting up new ones. An engineer and experienced contractor are best to guide this process.
  • Replacing old windows can lead to better energy efficiency if installed properly. An amateur installation, however, can set you up for leaks, water damage, and higher energy bills.
  • Investing in solid hardwood floors for your bedroom can have great ROI in the form of aesthetics and longevity, but installing them yourself without experience could cost you time and money.

Office

 

DIY:

DIY Not:

  • While they can add form and function to your office space, adding custom built-in bookshelves requires not only carpentry but design skills. Ensure you’re satisfied with the final product by hiring a pro.
  • If your office (or other spaces in your home) isn’t heating or cooling properly, it may be time to repair or replace your HVAC unit. In addition to safety concerns, most professionally installed units come with a warranty you’ll miss if attempting a DIY installation.
  • Proper lighting has a direct effect on your productivity and mood at work, so installing canned lights may be a must to optimize your home office. While switching existing fixtures is a simple task, adding or replacing wiring should always be left in the hands of an electrician.

Ready to get started with DIY or find an experienced professional to help with your upgrades? Check your home improvement project off your list and pay over time with promotional financing options from the Synchrony HOMETM Credit Card.1

Already a cardholder? Log in to browse additional offers available right now.

Looking for more for your home? Find tips and tricks, design inspiration, special offers, retailers, locations, and more at MySynchrony.com/HOME.

1Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.

Recommended For You

Bon Appétit: Create a Chef's Kitchen at Home

READ ARTICLE

Nest for Success: Your Nursery Necessities Timeline

READ ARTICLE

He Shed, She Shed: Create Your own Space on Any Budget

READ ARTICLE

Disclaimer: We include links to other websites in this article for our convenience. We do not endorse any content on these sites. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement. This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

© 2024 Synchrony Bank.