When looking to add curb appeal, you must choose between going DIY or hiring a professional. While DIY may be more appealing at first because you avoid contractor fees, you may end up having spent more in the long run if you lack the proper skills to do the job right. So how do you know if you should DIY or hire a pro for your next project?
This quick guide will help you determine which projects to tackle on your own and which ones are best left to a Bay Area landscaping services professional.
Patio
Constructing a patio, deck or porch is expensive and time-consuming. It requires a good understanding of certain construction principles and use of expensive materials. That’s why it’s best to seek the help of a professional, especially if materials such as pavers are involved. Professionals have many specialized tools to carry out patio, deck, and porch installations, for example, chop saws, plate compactors, and laser levels.
Driveway
It’s easy to fix small cracks in your driveway with sealant. Paving a driveway or performing major fixes are difficult to perform and are best left to a professional. Improper preparation of the ground and sealing will make your hardscaping require repair or replacement after a few years. You’re better off spending your hard-earned money on a contractor once and having the job done properly.
Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens
Building an outdoor stone fireplace is a challenging task that requires the knowledge of a professional. The contractor will be well versed in the city’s safe practices and regulations. You can DIY a simple kitchen such as one that has a propane grill but lacks water lines. You’ll need a professional for a complex kitchen with water, electricity, and gas lines.
Retaining Walls
Improper construction of retaining walls can cause injury and damage to the property nearby. To build a retaining wall correctly, you’ll need to know some specifications that most homeowners are not conversant with. For that reason, it’s highly advisable to hire a pro.
Lighting
While it may be easy to get lighting hardware, these can be extremely low quality. A professional can design your landscape lighting while taking beam spread, lighting temperature and color, humidity, bugs, and pets into consideration to ensure you enjoy long-term efficiency.As you can see, there are many advantages of hiring a professional to take on complicated outdoor projects.
Planting
You can easily add small plants and flowers to your front yard. You can also prune and mow on your own. However, if you have plants that are larger than a 2-inch caliper tree or a 7-gallon pot, you should consider hiring a pro. The pro will also advise you about the ideal plants for your yard depending on your soil quality, water usage, and climate. If time is a concern, a seasoned vet will help things move along quickly and efficiently.
DIY is a great choice if the project is a simple one. If you need help with any outdoor project, contact us at Viking Pavers.
Viking Pavers offers landscape design and lighting, and installation of paver walkways, driveways, patios, pool decks, retaining walls, firepits, and outdoor kitchens to clients in the Bay Area.
We have a wide collection of high-quality equipment to create your desired outdoor space. Our certified craftsmen will use proper installation techniques and ensure your project is completed in a timely and professional manner. To get more information or schedule a visit, call us at 800-941-1014 or complete our online form.
