Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself (And Which You Should Leave to the Pros)

Spring has sprung, and summer is not far behind. Georgia shows off its beauty during this time of the year, and it's not uncommon for you to get an irresistible urge to do something to spruce up your home. We've created a list of home improvement projects you can do yourself, and we've also made a few suggestions for home improvement projects that professionals should handle.

Interior DIY Project Ideas

Paint — Few things, like a new coat of paint, can immediately shift the ambiance. Painting is the way to go if you're looking for a weekend project with a significant impact!

Flooring — Does your home's flooring give away the age of your house? Not only is worn-out flooring a bit of an eyesore, but it can also be harboring some hidden issues like mold and water damage. If you're willing to live with furniture shifted around a bit, replacing the flooring in your home is perfectly doable.

Fixtures — Try to count up how many times a day you use a faucet or a light in your home. These fixtures are some of the first to give in to wear and tear; luckily, they are reasonably easy to update!

Smart Home Products — This project can be as straightforward or as in-depth as you want, but your home will feel brand-new regardless of what you add. From brilliant light switches to garage door openers to doorbells with a camera built-in, integrating smart home technology is a convenience and security that you will never regret adding.

Exterior DIY Project Ideas

Landscaping — Want to make a more significant, better first impression with guests and visitors to your home? Landscaping provides visual impact and positively affects your home's value, too. You can refresh an existing island or garden area or go big and create new spaces for more greenery and seasonal color.

Pressure Washing — Cleaning the outside of your home might not sound super glamorous, but it is time you will not regret investing when rewarded with gleaming sidewalks, a driveway, a patio, or siding. Consistent pressure washing will also keep the exterior of your home in better condition, leading to less risk of repairs down the road.

Fencing — This might be one of the more significant DIY home improvement projects on our list, but repairing or adding fencing to your property will help your curb appeal and create new spaces for children to play safely and for you to entertain with privacy. If you live in a neighborhood, consult your community's HOA policies before starting your project.

Home Improvement Projects You Should Call a Professional For

Roof - Because of the safety regulations and permitting required to replace a house's roof, it is in your best interest as a homeowner to leave this project to a roofing contractor. If your house's roof has damage due to weather or an accident, your homeowner's insurance policy may partially or fully cover the cost of replacing your roof.

Gutters — This project you could tackle on your own, but like roofing, there are safety concerns to consider and the safety net of warrantied work that a contractor can offer.

Decking — Repairing an existing deck or adding a brand-new one to your house's exterior can be a daunting task. If you're repairing or replacing an existing deck, you must have a way to dispose of the old materials and know if there are new building code standards that your deck must now meet. If you're adding a new deck, you may have to obtain a building permit and HOA approval, and you need to make sure that your deck plans are up to code. These considerations and safety protocols make this home improvement project one that is usually best left to the professionals.

Home Additions — This is arguably the most significant undertaking on our list of projects, so we highly recommend using a professional if you plan to add to your house in any way. Not only will you benefit from a contractor's experience and ability to obtain materials at a more economical rate, but you will also have the peace of mind of knowing that someone will do the work to code and require little to no effort from you!

Did you know that Shumate has a Handyman service? At Shumate, we can help you spruce up your home in various ways in the areas we serve, from HVAC repair and replacement to handyperson services and plumbing and electrical repair. Our handypersons are ready to help you tackle various home improvement projects. Call us today at 678-SHUMATE or schedule online, and a member of the Shumate team will be glad to help keep you comfortable this year!