Should You Hire a Contractor or Do It Yourself?

Owning a home often comes with a long list of improvement projects—from cosmetic updates to necessary repairs. One of the first decisions you'll face with any project is whether you should hire a professional contractor or roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.

In a high-end market like Longboat Key and Sarasota, where homes are often investments and sanctuaries, it's important to make smart choices that protect your property's value and your own peace of mind. At the Bruce Myer Group, we advise homeowners on how best to approach home improvements, especially when prepping a home for sale or upgrading a newly purchased property.

Here’s how to decide whether hiring a contractor or tackling a DIY project is the right move for you.

Some projects are perfect for a confident DIYer, while others demand professional expertise.

DIY-friendly projects include:

• Painting interior walls or furniture
• Installing simple shelving
• Minor landscaping work
• Replacing cabinet hardware or light fixtures
• Basic tile work (for experienced DIYers)

Projects that typically require a contractor:

• Major kitchen or bathroom renovations
• Structural changes (removing walls, building additions)
• Electrical rewiring or major plumbing updates
• Roof repairs or replacements
• Large-scale outdoor construction (like pools, lanais, or seawalls)

Pro Tip:

In Sarasota and Longboat Key, many homes have unique architectural styles or historic features. Specialized expertise is critical to maintaining these homes’ value—and mistakes can be costly to fix later.

Even relatively simple home improvement tasks can take longer than expected. Be honest about your availability before you dive into a project.

Ask yourself:

• How many weekends (or weekdays) can you realistically devote to this project?
• Will delays impact other parts of your life or property (especially if you're preparing to sell)?
• How important is it that the project be completed quickly?

Contractors often have teams that can complete work far faster than an individual homeowner, especially when coordinating permits, inspections, and specialty trades.

Many people are drawn to DIY because it seems like the cheaper option. However, cheaper upfront doesn’t always mean cheaper overall.

Hidden DIY costs to consider:

• Renting or buying specialized tools
• Correcting mistakes or redoing poor workmanship
• Paying more for materials (contractors often receive bulk discounts)
• Time lost from work or other commitments

Meanwhile, a professional contractor can often increase the value of your home by delivering a polished, high-quality result that appeals to future buyers, especially important in a competitive luxury market like Longboat Key.

At the Bruce Myer Group, we often advise clients that certain upgrades, such as kitchen remodels, new flooring, and bathroom upgrades, offer the best return on investment when completed professionally.

Many home improvement projects in Sarasota and Longboat Key require permits, particularly for:

• Structural changes
• Electrical and plumbing work
• Major exterior alterations
• Seawall, dock, or pool construction

If a project requires a permit and you don’t obtain one (or don’t complete the work correctly), you could face fines, insurance issues, or problems selling the home in the future.

Professional contractors understand local building codes, know how to pull permits, and often have working relationships with inspectors, streamlining the entire process.

While a DIY project can be incredibly rewarding, there’s no substitute for the craftsmanship that an experienced contractor brings to the table.

This is especially important in the Sarasota and Longboat Key markets, where buyers expect a certain standard of luxury and quality.

Examples where professional quality matters:

• Custom cabinetry or built-ins
• Stone or marble tile installation
• High-end appliance installation
• Pool or lanai construction

Poor-quality work is easy to spot—and can turn potential buyers away if you're planning to sell your home in the near future.

Some projects aren’t just complicated—they’re dangerous. Tasks involving electrical systems, gas lines, roofing, or heavy construction equipment carry real safety risks. Hiring a licensed, insured contractor protects you from liability and ensures that the work is done safely. Even relatively small tasks (like using power tools at heights) can lead to accidents if you’re not experienced.

Your health and safety are priceless. If a project involves significant risk, calling in the pros is always smarter.

For some homeowners, the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a DIY project is worth every drop of sweat. There’s something special about building or creating a piece of your own home.

However, if your goal is to enjoy stress-free upgrades—or to maximize your home's appeal and value for resale—professional peace of mind might be the better route.

Ultimately, it’s about your priorities:

• If you love the hands-on process, DIY can be deeply rewarding.
• If you prioritize time, quality, and low stress, hiring a contractor is often the smarter choice.

At the Bruce Myer Group, we know that smart improvements—done well—can dramatically increase your home’s value, functionality, and joy factor. Whether you're sprucing up a property before listing, customizing a new purchase, or simply enhancing your daily living, we can connect you with trusted contractors, designers, and specialists across the Sarasota and Longboat Key areas.

Our deep local experience means we understand the nuances of waterfront properties, historic homes, coastal construction standards, and the luxury real estate market better than anyone.

Need help deciding how to upgrade your home? Whether you're wondering which improvements offer the best return—or need referrals to trusted local pros—the Bruce Myer Group is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to start a conversation about making your home everything you dream it can be! Visit our website to learn more and explore the finest properties across Longboat Key and Sarasota.