Parc Canberra EC Condo Improvements: Do-It-Yourself, or Hire It Done?
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In many ways, people who own condominiums are the same as people who own single-family homes. One such way: People who own homes often share a desire to improve them. While condo owners may have less flexibility in the work they can do, there still are plenty of opportunities for improvements. But like single-family homeowners, they face the question: Should they tackle the improvements themselves, or pay a professional to do the work?
Following are some factors to consider before making the decision:
Handy?
Anybody can paint a wall or change a light bulb. But, realistically, how handy are you? If you are the do-it-yourself type, you likely can tackle a wide variety of improvements. You may learn as you go, but your project likely will turn out fine. But if you cannot hammer a nail without pounding a hole in the wall, you may want to think twice before you begin that project.
Budget
Carpenters, flooring people, and cabinet-makers do not work for cheap. They have a talent that you likely do not, and you need to pay for access to their expertise. Before starting any work, it is important to understand your budget. You do not want people to complete their work and then not be able to pay them. One tip: Build in an extra 20 percent on top of what they estimate the project will cost. That way, if the work goes above and beyond what you planned, you will not be caught with an empty wallet.
General contractor
Depending on the scope of your project, a general contractor who handles all the details may make sense. General contractors oversee the project and take care of hiring all the subcontractors. If you are doing a small floor project, you probably can hire your own floor person. But if you have floors, electrical and plumbing to do, for example, a general contractor may make sense. Keep in mind, however, that general contractors likely will take about 20 percent above what the work otherwise would cost. That may seem like a lot of money, but it may save a lot of headaches.
Friends
Just about everyone has a friend who is in one of the trades, like a carpenter, electrician or plumber. If you are comfortable working with friends, asking for help from one, or hiring one, may make sense. On the other hand, some people prefer to not mix business and friendship. If a friend does not do the work to your expectations, or something else goes wrong, you may have a strained friendship. Hiring friends certainly can work, but the potential consequences are worth thinking about.
In many ways, people who own condominiums are the same as people who own single-family homes. One such way: People who own homes often share a desire to improve them. While condo owners may have less flexibility in the work they can do, there still are plenty of opportunities for improvements. But like single-family homeowners, they face the question: Should they tackle the improvements themselves, or pay a professional to do the work?
- Where will Parc Canberra EC be located ?
Following are some factors to consider before making the decision:
Handy?
Anybody can paint a wall or change a light bulb. But, realistically, how handy are you? If you are the do-it-yourself type, you likely can tackle a wide variety of improvements. You may learn as you go, but your project likely will turn out fine. But if you cannot hammer a nail without pounding a hole in the wall, you may want to think twice before you begin that project.
Budget
Carpenters, flooring people, and cabinet-makers do not work for cheap. They have a talent that you likely do not, and you need to pay for access to their expertise. Before starting any work, it is important to understand your budget. You do not want people to complete their work and then not be able to pay them. One tip: Build in an extra 20 percent on top of what they estimate the project will cost. That way, if the work goes above and beyond what you planned, you will not be caught with an empty wallet.
General contractor
Depending on the scope of your project, a general contractor who handles all the details may make sense. General contractors oversee the project and take care of hiring all the subcontractors. If you are doing a small floor project, you probably can hire your own floor person. But if you have floors, electrical and plumbing to do, for example, a general contractor may make sense. Keep in mind, however, that general contractors likely will take about 20 percent above what the work otherwise would cost. That may seem like a lot of money, but it may save a lot of headaches.
Friends
Just about everyone has a friend who is in one of the trades, like a carpenter, electrician or plumber. If you are comfortable working with friends, asking for help from one, or hiring one, may make sense. On the other hand, some people prefer to not mix business and friendship. If a friend does not do the work to your expectations, or something else goes wrong, you may have a strained friendship. Hiring friends certainly can work, but the potential consequences are worth thinking about.