Attention All DIY Weekend Warriors:

/ Tri-Rock Construction LLC/

Know Your Limits

Does the weekend bring out another side of you? Does the smell of a fresh coat of paint or the flaking of wood glue on your hands excite you? Do you thrive off of a pat on the back or simply the sense of a job well done? If you said yes to any of these things, you might be a DIY Weekend Warrior.  

DIY Pro or Professionals?

As many of us in the spectrum of do-it-yourself-ers know, projects can be completed without professional intervention most of the time. But where do we draw the line between “I can totally do this” and “I probably should hire someone”?

Perhaps the line is drawn at fixing our own roofs? Or maybe it’s drawn at trying to recreate the Mona Lisa? But what about doing our own concrete work?

It is Better to Have Hired Than Never to Have Tried

Concrete work is somewhat of an art. It takes time, patience, exact calculations and a lot of arcane knowledge about different types of mud. In addition, concrete can be very temperamental. Things like the weather and where the sun is in the sky can affect the outcome of your brand new porch. Being good at concrete work is a skillset that takes time and mentorship to perfect.

When it comes right down to it, the average Joe usually doesn’t have the skills to be able to complete a project like a patio or a set of steps. Now all things considered, if you believe you are in that 1% that may have what it takes, let’s go over a few pros and cons to keep in mind before you attempt a feat like concrete work.

Pros:

  • You save money paying for labor.

Cons:

  • If you pour in the wrong temperature, the concrete could crack.

  • You must also have some knowledge of carpentry to be able to set forms up.

  • Concrete work usually requires several thousand dollars worth of tools that may be hard to find or rent.

  • If a project is done incorrectly, it may cost more to fix than hiring a professional to begin with.

  • You cannot achieve decorative surfaces without specialized knowledge.

  • Etc…the list goes on.

Worth it?

So, in conclusion, not only is this field a difficult one to master, but it can also be very costly if any mistakes are made. Additionally, if your vision includes a decorative stamp or color, you may want to consider hiring a professional. When it comes right down to it, it may not be worth the physical, mental and monetary price associated with doing it yourself.