Top Products Homeowners Need Pros to Install
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023Take a look at homeowners' top product purchases that still required the help of a professional for installation.
Hire or DIY?
Even with DIY exploding in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to shows on HGTV and the DIY Network, some product installations unequivocally require the expertise of a professional. A Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) study found that one third of all home improvement projects require the help of professional contractors. And with complex projects like a professional window installation, detailed millwork or a kitchen and bath remodel, it’s easy to see why. Here are homeowners’ top product purchases needing professional installation, from the most commonly installed to the least.
Doors, Windows and Millwork
Because home improvement projects that require professionals to do the work tend to be more expensive, pro vs. DIY decisions typically depend on the type of project. Complexity also plays a huge role in determining when to hire a pro. It’s no surprise, then, that doors, windows and millwork take the top spot as the most commonly installed products by professionals. Over 34 percent of all projects involving detailed millwork, doors and window replacements hire professionals for the installation.
Major Household Appliances
The potential for reducing energy costs is a big incentive for homeowners to replace major household appliances. Because of that factor, household appliances are the second most common products installed by professionals. Today’s homeowner is more energy conscious than ever, and having a professional contractor install appliances correctly helps ensure long-term savings.
Wall, Window, Ceiling and Floor Coverings
The third most common type of products installed by pros are wall, window, ceiling and floor coverings. Although the incentive to DIY everything is to save money, if projects are done wrong it can cost more in the long run. Especially with detail-oriented projects, like adding window shades or replacing floor tiles. Even with home remodeling spending hitting a record high, hiring a pro is a smart move to ensure the project is done correctly, on time and within an established budget.
Electrical and Lighting
The home improvement market forecast shows continued growth in the next three years, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for professionals to step in—especially with home improvement tasks that carry a high level of personal risk. It makes sense, then, that electrical and lighting are the fourth most common type of products calling for professional installation. Homeowners are more willing to invest in hiring a professional to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Painting, Lawn and Garden
With home improvement spending at an all-time high, where do homeowners invest their remodeling dollars? For DIYers, it’s on paint and gardening projects. In fact, just under 4 percent of people hire a pro for painting, lawn and garden products. That’s a low number because these products are predominantly cosmetic and not overly complex. As such, painting, along with lawn and garden products, round out the bottom of the list as the least common products installed by professionals.
Complexity Drives Commonly Installed Products
Even dedicated DIYers understand that with certain home repairs or installations, a lot could go wrong. The more complex the product, the greater the need is for licensed professionals with the proper tools and knowledge to do the job right. A professional window installation done the right way, for example, means energy costs are kept down and water stays out. Hiring a pro for electrical projects, detailed millwork and appliance installations minimizes safety risks and helps ensure long-term savings for correctly installed products. These and other examples show that it’s generally safer and more cost-effective to leave the installations to the pros.
About the Author:
Shawnna Stiver is a veteran lifestyle, marketing and news content writer, currently contributing to ecommerce companies in the parenting and babies space. She has written traditional, digital and social content for the following industries: beauty, consumer goods, entrepreneurship, financial services, health/wellness, home improvement/DIY, lifestyle, non-profit, parenting and self-improvement. She runs a website that connects people with brands that make a difference in the world: www.kindco.org.
