Maximizing Concrete Construction: Oahu's Local Experts vs. DIY – Why Choose Expertise?

Choosing whether to hire a concrete professional or simply build the project yourself is a question to ask that can pass through any homeowner’s mind when they think of having something made or redone on their property. 

Opting to go DIY can be more affordable while at the same time offering a sense of personal achievement. It is flexible in terms of schedule and operations but it can come with challenges such as potential risks, mistakes, and putting in a lot of time and effort.

While cost can often be the biggest factor in making this decision, there are other important things to consider for the build such as the quality of the construction, the time and effort required to meet deadlines, and the specialized knowledge needed to complete the project. 

But which of these two options are more viable and is there something more than being cost-effective when making this decision?

Experience

Professional

• Professional concrete workers and contractors are licensed and trained to specialize in working with concrete. They know the hows and whys in the processes and can work around surrounding issues or problems more smoothly to deliver the intended result.
• Having more experience as a professional meant knowing how to handle big and small projects. They are well versed in the techniques, are more connected with good quality supplies, and are savvy with current trends and styles allowing them many options to choose from just from understanding the requirements of a project.

DIY

• Because most homeowners are not trained in this field and rely mostly on individual knowledge, they would need to do intensive research on the process of handling concrete which can lead to the high possibility of many errors in the construction.

Equipment

Professional

• Professionals have access to specialized tools and equipment that can improve the efficiency and quality of the project, from concrete mixers and finishing equipment to heavy-duty machinery for more large-scale work.

DIY

• People who do DIY can lack the availability of tools specialized for the work, so they may either settle with basic tools which can affect the quality of the build or they would purchase or rent the equipment which would be another added cost.
  

Quality

Professional

• Trained and experienced professional techniques can deliver durable and high-quality results because of specialized expertise and the professional’s accessibility to good equipment. 

DIY

• DIY projects can be a hit or miss. They may achieve close to what the intended design result should be but not quite the same in terms of quality and durability because of potential mistakes in the building process such as the mixing, pouring, and finishing.

Time

Professional

• Because of their extensive experience and access to skilled workers, professionals can complete projects faster with a more organized schedule to minimize the possibility of delays.

DIY

• DIY projects can sometimes take longer to build due to inexperience, limited knowledge of the process, and potential errors or unexpected challenges.
• Delays can also happen because of the lack of available time to work consistently on the project.

Cost

Professional

• Although hiring a professional can be more costly, keep in mind that you are not only paying them for their professional service but also the higher quality, durability, and longevity of your project.

DIY

• DIY projects can be seen as more affordable in terms of labor but very often there can be a stack of added costs due to problems that arise from the need to purchase equipment and supplies or the need to fix errors from the lack of experience.

Compliance and Safety

Professional

• Experienced professional workers are well-versed in the building code and regulations of your local area, this ensures your project follows the legal requirements in its construction.

DIY

• People who do DIY might not be fully aware of the local codes and regulations.
• Safety might be compromised in this method with people who are not familiar with safety procedures and protocols in the building process.

Overall, choosing between expertise and DIY all boils down to the scale and complexity of the project, the homeowner’s skill level and available time, and the importance of attaining a strong and high-quality result. 

If still in doubt, it is always best to consult your local experts for advice on which approach can balance all these factors within the scope of your construction project. Here at Oahu’s Local Experts, our seasoned professionals are well-versed in this field of work, not only are they most familiar with the regulations to adhere to when building structures in your area, but they additionally have more experience with the best techniques in constructing them. 

Knowing all these and the processes required for the undertaking can help you in deciding whether to choose between doing it yourself or hiring an expert hand.