NARI Connecticut offers advice on deciding how to tackle projects during Home Improvement Month.

April 28, 2012 - PRLog -- According to a consumer poll from NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.

Jim Sullivan, President of the Remodeling Contractors Association – NARI CT and owner of Sullivan Brothers Remodeling, in Wolcott,  said “We have found that a significant number of customers not only are unable to sell their homes but have lost their homes.  It seems that both the recession as well as an aging baby boomer population has led some families to sell one property and move in together.  We see a continuing trend to build additional floor space as well as in-law apartments.”

“In Connecticut,” Jim said “Our experience is that people in the middle class are spending money on remodeling more out of need and function rather than out of their wish list.”

In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.  Homeowners need to plan the process from beginning to end to ensure they have time to complete it.  They need to also include in their project the costs of permits and materials.

The most important considerations homeowners have to take into consideration is their physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.  Dave Grecco of Carpentry and Handyman Concepts, in Fairfield, states “Homeowners need to make an honest assessment of the project vs. their abilities.    They need to have basic skills when it comes to using tools and knowing which tools are necessary for installing and following the product manufacturer instructions.  Often times the layperson doesn’t have the proper tools or skills to do a specific job, so they either improvise or have to rent the equipment which adds an unanticipated cost to their project.  All too often I’m called in to correct work that was started by the homeowner after work had begun. In many instances correcting the work and completing the job results in a higher cost to the homeowner.”

Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website (www.nari.org)to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.

If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster.  Although some projects can be done by a homeowner, a professional will not only use the most up to date techniques but will also do it much quicker since this is their full-time job not a weekend project.

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at http://www.nari.org/leadsafety.

NARI is a good source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor because members are full-time, dedicated remodelers who follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Visit the http://www.NARI.org or http://www.CtRemodelingContractors.org site to get tips on how to hire a remodeling professional and to search for pre-approved contractors in your area.

NARI members represent a select group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as professional remodelers.

____________
Remodeling Contractors Association is the CT Chapter of NARI.  Our trade association has been a place where homeowners have been finding professional remodeling contractors for over 30 years. http://www.narict.org