Bouwbedrijf Dries LagemaatPitching in pays off, in the right place
Working on your own renovation can save a good deal, provided you do it on the right parts. Elsewhere, doing it yourself costs money, time or your guarantee.
What you can usually do yourself
Demolition, removing rubble, clearing the space, taking out old floors and simple finishing such as painting and fitting skirting. This is labour-intensive and needs little specialist equipment, so this is where your own hours save the most. Do agree on timing: a builder waiting for an empty room still costs money.
What is better left to others
Anything involving structure, gas, water, electricity or waterproofing. Breaking through a load-bearing wall without a calculation, a shower floor that is not properly sealed, or a consumer unit that is not right: these are mistakes that only surface months later and cost far more to put right. Part of this work also requires a certified tradesperson or an inspection.
Mind the guarantee and the insurance
If you carry out part of the work yourself, the builder is not liable for what goes wrong on that part afterwards. Put in writing beforehand who does what. That avoids a discussion later about where a leak or a crack came from. Check your buildings insurance too: damage caused by your own work is not always covered.
A realistic estimate of time
Doing it yourself almost always takes longer than expected, especially alongside a job. Count your own hours in the planning and bear in mind that a renovation running late also means longer living in the mess. If in doubt, do the demolition yourself and leave the rest.
Dividing up the job together
Bouwbedrijf Dries Lagemaat regularly works with clients who take on part of the job themselves. We set out in advance who does what and when, so everyone knows where they stand. Get in touch without obligation.