DIY or hire a professional? What's the difference?
- Terese quartier
- May 7
- 2 min read
Looking out at your yard, you decide that you want to make changes. Whether you have a few ideas or you feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, it's always advisable to consider hiring a designer. You'll also need to decide whether to tackle the landscaping yourself, or hire a professional. So what exactly should you consider when you make these decisions?
Landscaping encompasses much more than simply planting plants. Consider elements like patios, pavers, concrete pads, mulch, pergolas, pools, hot tubs, fences, retaining walls, drainage, irrigation, grading... the list continues. Regulations from HOAs, cities, and states must be adhered to and obtaining this information can be challenging or time-consuming. Your homeowners insurance might have specific requirements such as maintaining a five-foot distance between plants and structures for wildfire mitigation, or liability exclusions for trampolines. You will need to research this information before you can start construction.
Let's look at some key factors to weigh when deciding between DIY or hiring a professional:
Time: Your time is precious. Landscaping projects often depend on weather conditions, limiting the time available for construction. This can be frustrating if professionals need to delay, although such delays are costly for them as well. If you choose to DIY, your unpaid time may also be affected by these delays.
Tools: Large landscaping projects require specific tools, many of which aren't typically found in a home shed. For instance, few people own a bobcat for grading. Renting or purchasing new tools can make DIY projects more expensive.
Physical Strength: Moving heavy items like river rocks, concrete bags, and trees often requires multiple people. Coordinating help from friends and family can be challenging, and you'll likely need at least one other person to complete a project safely. Without workers' compensation, any injuries incurred during DIY projects lack coverage. A professional team can efficiently handle tasks with protection.
Cost: Cost is often a reason DIY seems appealing. Hiring a landscape contractor includes not just labor and materials, but also overhead costs like insurance and tools, which vary by company. DIY projects can end up being just as costly, without guaranteed results or warranties. Consider the full cost, including materials, tools, time, labor, and potential delays.
Artistic Vision: Hiring a professional designer and contractor provides an analysis of your project, considering artistic norms, architectural rules, color theory, and more. Without this analysis, yards may become a mismatched patchwork. You may have to research soil and sun requirements for the different plants you want to add. Landscape professionals, especially designers, have studied these norms and standards and can advise you on all your options. Professionals will also ensure your yard is functional and enjoyable year-round, not just in summer.
If you have the time, tools, physical strength, artistic vision, and correctly anticipate the cost, DIY can be great! Remember, what you pay for is what you get. When in doubt, hire a professional. If you have questions, we are here to help.
