Go Pro or Manage on Your Own

One of the traits I've found most common in DIY-type people is that little voice that whispers in their ear, "You can do that!" And often, seasoned DIYers can do much of their projects themselves. This is a great cost saver and can add significantly to the ultimate enjoyment of a space, as there is nothing like the feeling of a job well done. However, there are some jobs that do require professional interior design guidance, and bypassing that step can cost more that just money down the road: It can cost your ultimate enjoyment as well.

The first thing I always recommend to those deciding whether to bring in a professional interior design consultant or go it alone is to ask themselves these questions:

• Have I done this before?
• Do I have time to learn what I need to learn and do what needs to be done?
• Do I have the right industry connections?
• How much do I expect to spend?

Careful in the Kitchen

One of the biggest DIY mistakes people make is to not bring in a kitchen designer when planning a gut remodel. In fact, many interior designers are not fully qualified to do a kitchen plan. Since this is likely the most money you will spend on a single room in your home, and the technical requirements of space planning, cabinetry specifying and appliance purchasing are so vast, it's a wonder anyone would ever consider doing it themselves.

Contrary to popular belief, a kitchen designer is not interested in just separating you from your money; they truly want your kitchen to be functional, beautiful and worth every dollar you spend. Working with someone who knows, through education and experience, the best choices for given situations and how to create a design that a builder can actually build is both a cost and sanity saver.

Of course, if you are not planning a gut remodel but more of a facelift of your existing kitchen, then it is certainly possible to DIY it. A professional interior design consultant is still a great option if you're looking to create a whole new look for yourself, or you don't have the time to manage the process. But if you're clear about what you like and don't like, a surface redecoration is highly doable.

Bathroom Basics

Similar to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel may be worth bringing in a professional interior design consultant to help out with. There are so many beautiful products on the market -- from faucets and fixtures to stone and tile to steam or rain shower features -- that you will want the help of someone who is up on the latest trends and safety alerts. There are many code issues involved in a bathroom, such the location of light fixtures relative to the shower and tub and what kinds of surfaces are too slippery for wet, bare feet. The average person has no way to know all that goes into a complicated makeover such as a bathroom. A professional interior designer will guide you through the best available choices.

Embrace the Basement

Are you contemplating a basement renovation? Although this type of project can be a very expensive one, it is a good candidate for a DIY project. General contractors will know the technical needs of outfitting a basement space (such as water and flood protection, lighting and electrical needs and mode of egress); the rest may be done easily by the homeowner without sacrificing looks or safety.

Ultimately, home projects are about knowledge and time, plus money. If you don't have the knowledge or the time to adequately oversee a project, then you risk wasting your money on costly mistakes or less than perfect results.

Look into hiring help for your kitchen or bathroom renovation. You can hire a remodeler to help with any renovation you don't want to do yourself.