Questions to ask when deciding to DIY or hire a pro

Still unsure about whether you should handle the repair yourself? Here are some questions you should ask to ensure you’re making a wise business decision.

Will this save me time?

When assessing the time commitment, be sure to account for specific constraints, such as:

• The time required to gather the necessary materials and tools
• How often and for how long can you be at the work site? Some projects must be completed without interruptions, while others can be spread out over several days.
• The time needed to review instruction manuals or tutorial videos on how to complete the project
• Whether or not you’ll need to obtain a permit before starting the project. Any work that calls for a permit is a job for a trained professional.

What are the costs? 

Have you crunched the numbers and realized you face an enormous repair bill? In such cases, it’s perfectly natural to lean more toward the DIY option. Refer to your rental maintenance budget to see if doing the work yourself is feasible.

Labor usually makes up the bulk of a contractor’s repair bill, so you can save significant money by taking on the repairs personally. However, ensure you calculate the cost of materials, supplies, tools, and equipment, as well to see the full financial picture.

Do I have the right skills? 

Be honest and assess whether you have the right mix of skills to complete the repairs at hand.

Do you have the knowledge and experience to perform the task? Are you comfortable handling any necessary tools and machinery? Have you done a similar project in the past? Can you do the work safely without endangering yourself, your tenants, or your rental?

If you answered “no” to these questions, you’ll be better off handing the reins to a professional.

How complex is the project? 

Generally, the more complex the repairs, the better off you’ll be letting a professional tradesperson take charge of the task. 

Rental maintenance tasks that require little knowledge, basic tools, and few steps to complete are good DIY repair candidates. Some examples of simple repairs include patching small holes in walls, replacing a damaged shelving unit, and repainting scratched surfaces.

On the other hand, some repairs require deep knowledge, extensive labor, or pose safety hazards. These include removing mold, replacing windows, repairing foundation cracks, installing new electrical wiring, replacing water pipes, and repairing the roof.

It’s important to note that some repair and maintenance work requires obtaining a local permit or possessing a special license. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance a professional is not only more suitable financially—they’re the only one who can legally carry out the work.

What are the benefits and risks of DIY repairs?

Cost savings vs. cost overruns

Benefits: By doing the work yourself, you avoid the labor costs that professional contractors charge. You can also shop around to get the best deals on materials and supplies for the project. While a professional can do the same, they may charge a markup, which increases your expenses.

Risks: Just because DIY repairs tend to be cheaper than hiring a professional doesn’t mean you’ll save money in the end. Doing the work alone can take longer than anticipated, leading to higher expenses. For example, you might have to redo specific tasks multiple times until you get them right, so you’ll spend more on materials and supplies. 

Project control vs. project delays

Benefits: If you’re a DIY enthusiast who’s very particular about details, you’ll have greater peace of mind being at the helm of your own project. This frees you from the constraints of a contractor’s work schedule. 

Risks: Completing the job may take you more time than a qualified professional. You may need to spend hours researching how to execute the repairs while hunting down the right tools and materials. And there could be hidden issues that emerge once you begin the repairs, which may require more time for the project than anticipated.

Learn new skills vs. make new mistakes

Benefits: You’ll understand how your rental property works and what it takes to maintain it. You can also apply this knowledge to repairs at your personal residence. 

Risks: Many rental maintenance projects appear easy at first glance. But once you get to work, the complexity of the repairs and grueling physical demands become apparent. Even applying peel-and-stick wallpaper or installing tiles on the bathroom floor are deceptively tricky tasks to execute properly. 

You also assume liability for any accidents that occur along the way. If someone gets hurt, you could also face a lawsuit and medical and legal bills.

Here’s what one real estate pro had to say about the value of doing repairs yourself: