Checking Your Do-It-Yourself IQ

Home improvement can be satisfying--even profitable--but it's important to weigh your abilities against the complexity of the project.

Your home is often your biggest asset, so it is natural that you want to enhance the value, appearance and livability of the house. What you don't want is shoddy work that can make the home difficult to sell in the future. Small projects such as painting a room or installing a closet organizing system don't require much expertise. But large home improvement tasks, such as building a porch or renovating a kitchen, require knowledge and skill. So before you attempt to undertake a project, consider:

The cost: If you earn $40 an hour, it would be cheaper to pay a skilled craftsperson $30 an hour to do the work.

Your abilities: If you're handy with a hammer, go ahead and install shelving units. If you sew, you can make your own curtains and slipcovers. Anyone can wallpaper a powder room. But attempt to make complicated plumbing or electrical installations, and you could end up hiring an expert to fix costly mistakes.

Your time: If you plan to do this project during leisure time, ask yourself if you want to spend it working on the house.

Assessing Your Capabilities

Do you have what it takes?

(If none of these apply, consider hiring a contractor)

Have a knack for working with tools
Good at taking things apart and putting them back together
Can clearly visualize what finished projects should look likeTake pride in creativity and home improvement skills
Have plenty of leisure time--and energy
Find working on the house an enjoyable hobby
Willing to research projects thoroughly and develop needed skills
Know limitations on skill

Sweat equity pays off when you:

Understand the scope of the project, and know precisely how to approach the task
Take the time to gain essential expertise through classes, books, instructional videos and software
Don't invest more money than you can lose
Leave the difficult or hazardous tasks to experts

What pays off?

These home improvement projects almost always value to a house, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor:

Paint: Nothing is faster, cheaper or more effective in upgrading a home. Paint lets you be creative and cover your mistakes. Try stenciling, faux finishes and warm colors unless you plan to sell your home soon. In that case, choose subdued neutral shades or off-white. (Add color with throw rugs, tablecloths, decorative pillows and other accessories).

Minor landscape and exterior improvements: The projects include planting shrubs and perennials, trimming existing trees and shrubs; fixing broken windowpanes, replacing cracked stepping stones or an old mailbox; and undertaking simple paint jobs, such as window trim.

Shelves, decks, fencing, closets and storage cabinets: These are ideal for the do-it-yourselfer with basic carpentry skills. Home stores carry a variety of kits and plans, and will even calculate how much material you will need. How-to books also are excellent sources for ideas and step-by-step instructions.

When does a do-it-yourself project become a task for a contractor?

You may need an expert to:

Create a set of comprehensive plans
Pull building permits
Hire, supervise and coordinate subcontractors
Keep the job on schedule
Assure quality control

Going deluxe

Luxury items that reflect your personal taste and lifestyle may not increase your home's value and may actually make more difficult to sell: swimming pool, hot tub, custom furnishings, deluxe floor and wall coverings, photo darkroom, greenhouse, sauna, wine cellar and a built-in bar. On the other hand, if you plan to stay in the house more than five years, such amenities will add to the enjoyment of home ownership. The longer you intend to live in a home, the more you can afford to make it uniquely yours.