The DIY movement is stronger than ever, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This has a lot to do with the accessibility (and sheer quantity) of information today. No matter what kind of project you want to undertake at home, there are probably a thousand instructional videos on YouTube, Vimeo, HowStuffWorks, and other sites. The fact that doing things yourself may actually be more costly (depending on the project and your experience level) doesn’t really bother some people. To them, the satisfaction of doing home repairs and renovations is worth the extra effort.
But there are certain types of work that everyone agrees should be undertaken by professionals. In fact, there are a number of things that are highly illegal to take on yourself. For example, unless you are a licensed electrician, doing electrical work in your home is strictly against the law in vast majority of states and municipalities. Other types of work maybe legal to undertake on a DIY basis, provided all of the paperwork is in order.
Where does masonry fit in to this broad spectrum?
First, before we answer that question, let’s define what masonry actually is. Masonry basically involves two main ingredients. The first is a quantity of bricks or stones, and the second is mortar for finding those bricks or stones together. Masonry can be used to build entire homes, sections of homes, or even a simple residential wall.
Because the definition of masonry itself is so broad, the question of whether you should attempt a DIY masonry project depends heavily on how extensive and complicated the project actually is. If you’re talking about a renovated entryway for your home, or perhaps the renovation of the existing, damaged masonry, the case for going DIY becomes considerably weaker. That’s because masonry often serves important structural functions within the home, as well as having a marked impact on aesthetic value and curb appeal.
On the other hand, a simple brick landscaping tier (or a comparably simple project) can be and enjoyable and relatively risk free way to try your hand at masonry. Even if your work doesn’t turn out as expected, or if you end up scrapping the project entirely, your losses won’t be that great in terms of money and time spent.
But if you undertake a major masonry project involving the exterior of your home, her chimney, Or other vital components of your property, the possibility of getting in over your head is much greater. This can lead to spiraling costs and skyrocketing stress levels, especially if you’re holding down a job at the same time.
Most reputable masons Will be honest with you about whether a project should be undertaken on a DIY basis or not, And what kind of experience levels maybe necessary to successfully complete certain projects. If you find a trustworthy and reputable masonry specialist, you’ll get straight advice and answers from day one. Others will try and convince you not to lay a single brick yourself; that’s why it’s important to contact multiple masons in your area to compare information and bids for your project.