DIY Home Improvements that Save Big

    ST. MICHAELS, MD, July 11, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Before beginning a home improvement project savvy homeowners should consider the cost of doing it themselves versus hiring a contractor. The cost of the materials, their skill level and available free time are also part of the equation. At www.diyornot.com, a website about the cost of home improvements, visitors use the cost data to help them weigh in on the decision. "While cost isn't everything, it's a key factor," says Gene Hamilton, co-founder of the site.

A look at the most recent popular job costs on both the main and mobile sites reveals improvements that also give homeowners the best bang for their DIY buck. For example, installing a chain link fence ($690 DIY vs. $1,236 Contractor) is the number one summertime upgrade. Adding stone pavers to expand outdoor living is another favorite that gives a handy homeowner a 68 percent saving ($420 DIY vs. $1,323 Contractor). Laying grass seed to improve a lawn ($100 DIY vs. $891 Landscaper) saves a do-it-yourselfer 88 percent.

The calculators that help a homeowner estimate how much material to buy for projects are also the most highly accessed on the site.

Throughout the year the most viewed job costs are perennial favorites with installing a suspended ceiling ($300 DIY vs. $1,160 Contractor) topping the list. Other jobs that are popular are painting kitchen cabinets ($60 DIY vs. $555 Contractor) instead of replacing them, refinishing hardwood floors ($225 DIY vs. $805 Contractor) and tiling a tub surround ($225 DIY vs. $802 Contractor).

No matter what time of year it is the list of 1-minute videos for a quick job cost parallels those that are most viewed.

"Many of these upgrades are time consuming, labor intensive and don't involve using expensive materials so they're ideally suited for a handy homeowner bent on saving money," says Hamilton. "And knowing what you can save before committing to doing it yourself can be a compelling motivation for anyone."

DIYORNOT is the online edition of the newspaper column of the same name syndicated by Tribune Content Agency. More information is available at www.diyornot.com.

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