Ask an expert or DIY?

A project with a small budget is possible...but you will have to do some work on your own. The labor is one of the things that eat up a lot of a renovation budget. What can you do yourself and what should be done by a professional?

1- Paint
When choosing your colors, you could benefit from a second opinion. A designer or decorator can make suggestions at a very affordable price. To apply paint, roll up your sleaves, arm yourself with a paint brush, a roller, a little patience and you will save big bucks.

2- Electricity
Unless it's your profession, it is not recommended that electric jobs be done by yourself. In fact, the Quebec building standards require that a certified electrician approves all electric jobs done around a house. Don't improvise...this could cost you much more than you saved in case of a fire.

3- Plumbing
You can perform little plumbing jobs yourself. However, leave it to the pros when it comes to important jobs and save yourself potential water damages.

4- Reorganization
To add walls, get informed on the construction standards and then go for it. You'll need a level, a hammer and nails and you can do it! However, when it comes to taking a wall down, rely on a building expert. You wouldn't want to take down a bearing wall and weaken the structure of your house.

5- Mouldings
You can do it! A mitre saw, a hammer and nails and latex to cover up the spaces. You are now equiped to install mouldings! You might want to practice with the mitre saw beforehand in order to get the hang of angle cutting, but once that's done, you'll be ready to do it on your own!

6- Floors
Ask the advice of an advisor in your favorite home renovation store. They will be able to help you out with your project and give you precious advice. Then it's all yours! All the necessary materials are available in stores...all you need is your know-how!

In short, when it comes to embellishments, you will save a lot by doing it yourself. But for more important projects or for things that require a specific area of expertise like plumbing, ask a professional to do it. Everything that coul potentially cause huge problems later on should be revised, approved and, better yet, done by the hands of an expert.

When in doubt, don't be shy to ask some help. To each their job and expertise.