Before we answer that question though, we have to ask you. Do your do-it-yourself (DIY) skills require stuffing your tablet into your tool belt so you can pop on Google for a how-to video each step of the way? If the answer is yes, building a pool enclosure on your own may not be your best plan of action.
Even though there’s something about the sense of satisfaction we feel with a job well done, there are a few things to consider before tackling the project at all. That’s because construction projects can be dangerous. You want to make sure your skill level matches the job requirements.
Here are three things to consider before you make that decision.
Better safe than sorry
Sure, labor costs are a huge portion of any new construction project but taking on a job as extensive as an enclosure to keep that money in your pocket could backfire. If you make a major mistake, who knows what the cost will be to rectify it?
You need to consider all the aspects of what the job will entail and then determine whether or not you feel comfortable performing the task. For instance, if you’re building a deck—or any type of floor for that matter—first, your expertise with a level is a key component to your success. Otherwise, any spilled drinks—or round foods for that matter—could roll straight into the pool. Yuck.
You’ll need to take precise measurements too. Otherwise, you’ll be cutting and recutting your materials which often results in heading back to the store for more. Even if you’re planning to install a mesh screen pool enclosure and won’t need windows, doorway measurements are just as tricky. Direct angles and frame spacing are extremely important to ensure a proper fit.
Permits and inspections
Nearly every city or town requires homeowners to acquire a permit before beginning any construction project on their property. And, depending on the project, periodic inspections may be required, say for any electrical wiring installed for instance.
Unless you are an experienced carpenter—or electrician—hiring a contractor could keep the job moving along rather than having everything put on hold because something didn’t meet the building code.
It’s not likely that you could actually devalue your home while installing your pool enclosure. That’s an encouraging thought, right? Still, winding up with a structure that is less spectacular than you envisioned will likely leave you feeling frustrated. That’s the polar opposite of what you are going for.
You’re putting up the enclosure to increase your comfort level. We need to keep that in the forefront here. It can help you make your final decision.
An element of danger
When working construction, you’re always at risk of being injured. If you’ve ever missed your mark and hit your thumb with a hammer, you know what we mean. Physical labor involves risking injury—both minor and major injury.
Of course, it totally depends on the type of construction as to how dangerous a job becomes. However, people are seriously injured using power tools every day. It only takes a second, and a normal day on the job could turn into a disaster. Case in point: If you plan to build a wooden structure, power saws, nail guns, and step ladders are all on the list of most dangerous power tools.
Moreover, if you’re not an experienced electrician, we would never recommend that you do the electrical work yourself. Not only could you injure yourself during the process, but any wiring, outlets, or fixtures installed incorrectly could cause a short that sparks a fire later down the road.
If you’re dreaming of a glass pool enclosure, your danger factor increased marginally. Working with glass is extremely dangerous in its own right—the reason is self-explanatory. However, you’ll be working with glass while balancing on a ladder. That just upped the risk factor even higher.
So, we’ll just put our two cents in on that idea here and now. If your normal profession isn’t building glass pool enclosures, you need to hire a professional.
Saving some money building your pool enclosure on your own and risking personal injury in the process due to lack of experience is never a wise decision.
All things considered
At the end of the day, whether or not you tackle building your poor enclosure yourself or hire an experienced contractor is completely up to you. You know your limitations and we respect that.
If you’ve considered all the dangers involved, including things such as using power tools and climbing up and down ladders, and believe you have the experience to see the job through, go for it!
If you’re going for a mesh screen enclosure, will you be starting from scratch? As in constructing your own frames and then installing the screen in sections? That’s going to require a lot of attention to detail. Perhaps, an easier yet effective measure should be taken and you should hire a contractor.
What’s it pay?
Since a big reason for tackling a home improvement project on your own is to save money, take the time to consider how much doing the job yourself will “pay” you. To do that, divide the amount of money you believe you will save by doing the work yourself and divide it by the amount of time that it’s going to take you to complete the job.
Doing this allows you to determine the hourly rate you will “earn” while you’re completing the work. When you bump that figure up against the number of weekends and weeknights spent working instead of enjoying time with friends and family, you might rethink the situation.
If you decide the figures just aren’t adding up, taking the time to research can still save you quite a bit of money even when hiring a professional to do the job. Start by asking friends and family who they have used to construct their outdoor living areas. Word of mouth is a great way to find someone that you’ll feel comfortable working with right from the start.
Also, consider all the added benefits that your family is going to enjoy as soon as the structure is completed.
• An added sense of privacy
• Enjoying pool time with no bugs—that includes mosquitoes
• Yard debris stays in the yard
• An element of safety
• Provides a degree of shade
Once you’ve added the benefits that you’ll gain, it makes the cost of hiring a professional even more affordable. So, what are you waiting for? Spend your free time making memories with family and friends instead of slaving to add another notch to your tool belt.
You aren’t going to regret it.