We live in the age of the DIY. Between creative Pinterest posts and home improvement television shows touting the ease of self-constructed projects, it’s easy to get pulled into the whirlwind of do-it-yourself hype. But is your ideal closet remodel truly suited for a DIY job? Depending on what you’d like to do with your closet space, you may want to consider enlisting the help of closet remodeling contractors to design and build your custom dream-closet.
Consider the following before you make the final decision to go for the DIY or hire a professional:
Every closet remodel should begin with a clear idea of what you want the final product to be. Consider what sort of things you want to store, how many items will be stored, how you want those items to be arranged, etc.
DIY: deciding what you want on your own is fairly simple, as you can plan for anything and everything you desire without having to consider others’ input. On one hand, this could save you from dealing with overly-pushy advice that leaves you with a closet system you’re not happy with. On the other hand, you may end up biting off more than you can chew and deciding to take on a project that’s a bit too far beyond your ability.
Professional: having the advice of a professional is helpful in that you can get an idea of your options, the feasibility of those options and other specific details during the initial planning stage. Plus, hiring a professional means that even ambitious projects are further within your reach.
Probably the most common reason that homeowners choose to take on DIY projects is the potential to save money. But there’s always the chance that you’ll run into a situation where expert assistance is needed.
DIY: Even if you consider yourself an experienced “DIY-er,” it’s hard to say for sure that everything will go to plan. Not only that, but it can be tough just to pick out the right materials and tools that fit within your budget without being cheap in quality. If your overall closet remodel design is fairly minimal and you don’t expect to store any heavy-duty items, you can probably get away with cutting more corners than others.
Professional: Naturally, hiring a professional is generally more expensive than doing the work yourself. Though the cost of a professional remodel may give you pause, consider the value of peace of mind; if you’re not very confident with home construction projects, you may find that it’s friendlier to your long-term budget to have the remodel done professionally than have to repair accidents or replace storage system parts later on.
DIY: For some people with a natural eye for design, creative pursuits like designing the look of a closet system come easily. For others, however, design isn’t necessarily a strong point. If you’re in the former camp, your DIY remodel design could be fabulous. If you’re in the latter group, though, you may end up with something that doesn’t quite fit your aesthetic.
Professional: Generally, design is something that remodeling professionals do quite well. A visually-pleasing result is part of the plan from the beginning, and a professional design expert will work flexibly with you to come up with something that works for your home. If you’re not quite as artistic as you’d like to be, you may need this sort of help.
DIY: If you’re not a particularly handy or construction-oriented person, you may not have all of the tools required. You may end up spending extra time trying to accomplish some tasks with the wrong tools, potentially leaving you with a less-than-ideal result. If you are confident that you do have all the proper tools, however, your DIY can be quite successful.
Professional: As expected, a professional remodeling company will have a full set of tools at their disposal to get the job done properly. If a specialized tool is needed, some companies may take the extra initiative to purchase that tool for your project.
Even if you do decide the DIY closet option is best for you in the short term, you may choose to contact Harkraft for help on future closet upgrades or other home remodeling projects. For over 50 years, Harkraft has offered unique home storage solutions like wire and laminate closet systems, garage storage systems, bath hardware, complete wine cellars and more to homeowners in the Minneapolis area. Contact us today to get started with the closet remodel of your dreams!
