Condo Renovation: Should You DIY or Hire an Interior Designer?

If you’ve clicked this article, you’re probably thinking of a condo renovation anytime soon. Whether it be a major overhaul or a subtle tweak in the household, home improvements are something to prepare for in detail. Ultimately, deciding who gets to execute the project boils down to the question: “Should I do it myself or hire a professional for the job?” While there is no right answer to this query, there are several factors you can consider to identify which option would best suit your wants and needs for your condo renovation.

Going for the DIY Approach

If you enjoy home renovation or decluttering videos on the internet, you may feel inspired to do condo improvements yourself. While there can be pros to initiating DIY projects for your space, there are also disadvantages to watch out for to avoid expensive mistakes and ensure that everything falls according to plan.

Benefits of DIY Renovation

# It allows for a flexible budget

DIY activities skip labor costs altogether. You can either go solo or have your family or friends help out. If they agree to assist, think of it as a bonding session too.

With the liberty to choose materials for your revamp, this approach allows for an adjustable project cost that can fit your budget. And because you call the shots on where to spend the money, you get full control of the renovation’s cash flow.

# It can be your creative outlet

If interior designing is one of your interests, giving your home a makeover is an excellent way to channel your inner artist. You can get creative in drafting the scope of your condo improvement and show off your taste in design in the remodeling process.

One of the best parts about this is you can incorporate art and furniture pieces of your liking. However, remember to ask for your housemate’s preferences when settling for the overall theme of the place.

# It helps you acquire new skills

Although it may be challenging, working on a DIY home project enables you to learn a new set of skills. For one, the planning and organization aspect of it is something that you can carry with you to the other areas of your life.

Accomplishing a labor-intensive task can also earn you more knowledge and confidence when dealing with home-related work. Who knows? Condo renovations might just be your calling.

Drawbacks of DIY Renovation

# It doesn’t guarantee quality work

Unless you upgrade houses for a living, opting for the DIY redeveloping approach may not turn out as polished as you would hope. Much like any other kind of work, it takes years of experience to master the art of renovation. For a foolproof overhaul, best to seek a pro to get the job done.

# It may not be code-compliant

Some home improvements require permits before they can push forward. Because of this, DIYers are not always entitled to recondition their housing, even if the property is their own. To avoid any issues with the authorities, leave it to the experts who are professionally bound to provide services according to the latest codes mandated.

# It may take a while to be completed

Like handling the budget, conducting DIY activities allows for a flexible operation schedule. This feature is a double-edged sword, as it can hold the project back, especially if your priorities get out of hand. If you can’t dedicate a great deal of time and attention to renovating your home, better ask for a professional’s assistance to finish the task in no time.

Partnering with a Professional

If you don’t quite trust yourself to renovate your condo like a pro, there’s always the option to outsource an interior designer instead. With multiple pros and cons to look into, find out how hiring a professional may or may not be a fit for you.

Benefits of Outsourced Renovation

# It’s more convenient

Having someone complete the renovation checklist saves you time and energy, making it the most practical choice when redesigning your home entirely. With the help of a specialist, you don’t have to worry about your tasks piling up—from finishing chores and taking care of the people in the household to finding the right furniture and styling the rooms in your space.

# It’s free from technical errors

With their extensive knowledge in the field, professional designers can provide a new look for your flat without any technical problems in sight. While some general contractors might be skilled, your specific demands in terms of composition and motif may get lost in translation with them.

To avoid miscommunication in the process, hire a licensed interior designer to have the best possible results for your home renovation.

# It adds more value to your space

Pro house decorators can transform your condo space into the latest industry trend. While an overhaul of such kind may be pricey, it’ll be all worth it as it can yield a greater monetary value if you choose to sell it in the future. After all, a design that fits luxury real estate appeals to the market more.

Drawbacks of Outsourced Renovation

# It can be expensive

Whether you’re outsourcing from a company or directly hiring one, professional designers charge a certain amount, which could increase depending on the width of the project and the rate of their service.

If your budget is a bit tight, ask for a quote first to see if you can afford expert aid to begin your home project.

# It may make your home feel less personal

Sometimes, you may find that you’re not on the same page as your hired decorator. While that’s normal for most collaborative projects, it’s important to address this issue immediately to avoid working towards an incorrect outcome. Otherwise, the overall aesthetic and feel of your renovated home may appear impersonal instead of “you.”

Choosing a Route to Condo Renovation

There’s more to revamping your space than choosing which color to paint your wall anew. It requires thorough discussions about the design and monetary aspects of the project. Who gets to do the work itself should be included on the list to review, too, before greenlighting the condo renovation.

There are more advantages and disadvantages to the DIY method and outsource way. When deciding on how to go about your home upgrade, go for the option that won’t break the bank, could bring you joy, if not less stress, during the process, and would result in a refreshing makeover for your space that’s still on your brand.