Decking Installation: DIY or Professional Installer?
Decking Installation: DIY or Professional Installer?
Homeowners often come across a certain predicament: at the end of the day, will it be cheaper to do it yourself or to hire professional help? Some householders find pleasure in taking the matter into their own hands and build whatever they need themselves so that, when they finish, they have the gratification of a job well done. For others, the reason is to save money. Building a deck can either be an easy job for someone who is skillful and passionate or a troublesome project which is best left in the hands of a professional.
DIY vs. Pro
The first step of building your own deck is to choose your tools and the workplace you have available. A good starting point would be to have a set of tools, a space suitable for this activity and some basic woodwork skills. Also, it is important to understand that your abilities aren’t on the same level as a professional’s. The latter is able to do a better and faster job and can deal with unforseeable problems more effectively as this is his everyday job.
Still, by building your own deck you can improve your skill and also have good time.
There are some things that need to be taken into consideration, like including in your plans existing construction or the need to support an elevated deck. The simpler the construction, the better the results.
Saving Money with DIY
If you decide to turn to a professional, there is a material markup of 5 to 10% to which you have to be aware. This is for buying and transporting the materials. Some contractors choose to charge three times the cost of the materials for the purpose of simplifying the bidding process. By choosing to do all this work by himself, a handy homeowner can save up to 65%. Although, if the necessary tools aren’t available, (e.g. a jigsaw, a miter saw, a rubber hammer, a cordless drill, etc.) the percentage drops down.
Time Considerations
The only thing you lose with DIY is time. A pro is likely to finish in a relative short period of time while it may take you a few weeks. It’s an activity which also requires your commitment and passion among others. If you have these, then you’re good to go.
Cost – Quality ratio
If you need the money but you are reluctant to build your own deck, approach the situation from a different perspective. Purchase the materials and bring them home personally. Get a deck builder’s opinion in advance and borrow some of his ideas. Prepare a list with all that you need and make precise measurements. Search for a shop which offers you a discount. You can also hire a professional only to build your foundation if it’s too complicated to do yourself.
Put together a sturdy frame and make the final adjustments yourself (the floorings, the railings). By doing so, you are sure the deck is structurally strong and you can still have the satisfaction of building it on your own.