Statistics show that home remodeling in the US is now a $300 billion per year industry in the US, and roughly $48 billion in Canada.  The average job in the US is about $3,000 whereas in Canada it is between $11,000 and $15,000 per year.  I think that I have had enough experience at home remodeling projects to write a book on this, but I’ll just make a few notes where the subject matter is concerned.

The first rule of thumb is to do your homework.  In other words, invest some time in the due diligence factor.  It may help you decide whether you want to do this or hire someone to do it for you.  First of all, there are six different areas for home remodeling projects, and they are not always reserved for the home’s interior:

•    adding space
•    beautifying by adding features
•    creature comfort factors
•    maintaining and repairing
•    safety and preparedness
•    saving energy (and on the price of your utility bill)

For the sake of details, if you want to see the different types of projects that the above categories entail, check out the Home Improvement page in Wikipedia online.  It will give you a good idea as to what all can be done.

Normally, the DIY approach versus the professional approach is always the core topic of thought before undertaking a home remodeling project.  Statistics being what they are, the choice avenue is that of the do-it-yourselfer.  The DIY method will usually entail a trip to one of the two big retailers --- namely Home Depot or Lowes.  Their specialty has always been supplying materials and tools to the contractor, but their target marketing focuses on the DIY sector more.  Books on home remodeling topics and classes for the various home improvement undertakings are readily available.

The professional venue is actually two-fold in that you can go with a general contractor and his crew, or go out and hire a tradesman (e.g. electrician, plumber) to get the job done.  General contractors will usually be more like a project manager ensuring the home owner that they get what they pay for.  Their responsibilities usually entail tasks such as acting as the project manager, coordinating everyone’s daily work schedule, performing some of the tasks themselves, and removing all debris from the remodel.

Then you have the tradesman scenario.  You can hire an electrician, plumber, or other tradesman if the job isn’t too large to perform single handedly.  Larger jobs will generally involve a small crew.

Finally, there are the professional organizations that can provide you with credibility, guidelines, and useful information so you know a little more about whichever one of the skilled trades you’re going to hire for the project if you’re not the DIY type.

HCOA – Handyman Club of America
AHMA – American Hardware Manufacturers Association
NAHB – National Association of Home Builders
NARI – National Association of the Remodeling Industry
NKBA – National Kitchen and Bath Association
Worldwide DIY Council

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