To Hire or Not to Hire - DIY or Contractor?

In my last blog post, I showed you my top 7 kick starters checklist for beginning a design project.  This week let's jump into how much work is too much and when to hire a contractor.  Keep reading for my quick tips on how to handle the smaller projects on your own and when it's time to hire a professional.

Before we begin, if you haven't already completed your design style quiz, click on the link below and find out what your Library style is.

Take the What's My Library Design Style Quiz!

Now that you know what style you're even working with, let's talk taking action with your project.  So how do you know whether you can handle your project on your own?  Here are some good indicators:

WHAT MAKES THE BEST DO IT YOURSELFERS?    

• You just want to paint a few walls and add some new carpet - don't over think it.  If you just need to paint the public areas and install new flooring, you can probably tackle this one yourself.

• You have the time to make a few calls and meet with the installers - it doesn't take a monumental amount of time to reach out to your local flooring and paint professionals to schedule a time for them to walk the space with you and give you a cost estimate.  Just make sure you get at least three quotes and that everyone is quoting the same amount of work and material.

• You know what color paint you want to use and what carpet you plan to put down - this one can be slightly intimidating to most first-timers so if you don't know where to begin, refer back to my blog posts to discover your local flooring reps and to learn my tips on applying color to your space.  If you have trouble finding any of that information, just reply to this email and I will get you all straightened out! 

• You have a (small) team of decision makers at the ready - Don't go overboard and invite the entire staff to throw in their two-cents worth.  It will cause way more headache than you can handle.  But grab a team of two (maybe three max) trusted staff members and enlist them to help you through this process.  And if you're not sure what your style is, take the design style quiz here to begin working through that part of your design.

If you're shaking your head no to most of the above bullet points with a fear-stricken look on your face, then this project may call for the pros.  Here's how to know and what to do:

WHEN IS TOO BIG JUST TOO BIG?

• You want to paint, install new flooring everywhere, install a little wallcovering and any other cosmetic detail that might need attention - if this is an all-out interior finishes-only renovation without the moving of walls, then by all means interview contractors and hire the professional that can meet your budget and gives you all the feels.  Life is too short, don't work with someone you aren't compatible with.

• You want to re-do your information counters - A reputable contractor will know how to get this done and will have an equally reputable millwork professional to help you with this part of your project.

• You just don't have the time or staff power to go it alone - They do, so bring someone you like working with on board and let them guide you each step of the way.  Make sure you're hiring a commercial contractor or even a licensed light commercial contractor.  Avoid residential in this case since the scope of work and resources are VERY different animals.

If you're reading this email and find yourself with a list of questions you've made along the way, either reply back to me or join the DIY Library Design facebook group here to get the answers you're looking for.  You really can do this yourself.  And I really can show you how.

But for the love, take the Library design quiz so you know what to look for as you begin your journey! 

QUIZ - WHAT'S YOUR LIBRARY DESIGN STYLE