Epoxy DIY or Hire a Contractor: Which is Best for Your Project?
If you’re interested in epoxy flooring, you’ve got options. You can DIY as a do-it-yourselfer or hire a contractor to do the work for you. Both of these options have their benefits and drawbacks, so it is important that you weigh them before making your final decision. It’s important to note that epoxy is a difficult material to work with, and you have to have a certain level of expertise before attempting it.
If an epoxy installation is not something you feel comfortable doing by yourself, then hiring a contractor would be the better option for your project. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of both DIY epoxy installation as well as hiring a professional contractor to do the job for you.
Hiring a Professional: Learn the Facts
While you could attempt an epoxy job by yourself, it’s hard to deny that hiring a professional contractor will get the job done faster and with better results. A reputable contractor will have experience with this type of installation, and it won’t be their first time doing so. They’ll know what things they need to do to give you the finished project you want and how best to complete it.
Epoxy is a tough material, and working with it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing or are unfamiliar with any safety precautions that must be taken during installation. Troweled epoxies are acidic until cured, which makes them at high risk for skin irritation and potential damage to clothing, cars, floors, etc. There are also the hazards of working in a garage to consider. Professionals who can do this type of work for you should be highly experienced and capable of the job.
Experience is not the only thing you’ll need to consider when making your decision, though. If you hire an unlicensed individual or company, they may not carry appropriate insurance coverage — another important factor when it comes time for damage control if something goes wrong. You really don’t want to be stuck with a bill because there was no insurance policy in place covering any damages that were sustained while the contractor was on site.
Also, doing it yourself does not necessarily save you money either since epoxy itself isn’t cheap, and kits can range from $30-$40 per gallon plus professional equipment and tools rental, if not purchased.
DIY Epoxy: What You’ll Need
If you decide to do the epoxy installation yourself, then you’ll need to have the proper equipment and materials on hand. This includes a respirator, safety goggles, gloves, and coveralls. The fumes from epoxy can be harmful, and it’s important to take precautions when working with it.
You will also need an epoxy kit which is available at most hardware stores or online. Kits usually come with everything you need to complete your project, including the resin, hardener, and pigment. You will also need a mixer of some sort (either a drill-mounted mixer or a handheld one) as well as a spreader or roller to apply the epoxy.
Depending on the size of your project, you may need more than one kit of epoxy. Usually, a 2-gallon kit is enough for a small garage or shop, but if doing a larger surface area, a 5-gallon kit will be necessary. Make sure to purchase extra resin and hardener. Since these items expire after about three months from the initial opening — it won’t do you any good to have unused materials that are no longer fresh and active.
Benefits of Doing It Yourself
When deciding whether to hire a professional contractor or opt for DIY epoxy flooring instead, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons on both sides. While hiring a professional does come with some benefits, doing it yourself does have its perks as well.
First, you’ll save money in the long run since epoxy is so expensive to purchase at $40 per gallon. You may even be able to do this particular project for free if using leftover resin and hardener from other jobs. Also, your cost of tools rental is often cheaper than buying them outright.
DIY kits come with detailed instructions that will walk you through each step of the process which means there’s less chance of error or mistake on your part compared to doing something without any prior experience or knowledge whatsoever. If you’ve ever installed epoxy, it also gives you a good idea of how long it takes and what sort of time commitment will be needed.
The Drawbacks of Doing It Yourself
On the other hand, there are cons associated with doing any project yourself as well. First and foremost, doing this type of work without the proper equipment and experience can lead to mistakes and severe injury — both things that could be prevented had you simply hired a professional instead.
Contractors will already have all of the necessary tools and safety gear on hand so you won’t need to worry about acquiring those items separately — another money saver on your part. They should also carry all applicable insurance policies as well as licensing as required in your state or province.
Another downside to doing it yourself is the time commitment involved. Unlike hiring a professional who can often complete the job in a day or two, you’ll need to set aside several days (or even weeks) to do it yourself. This is especially true if you’re working on a larger surface area.
Benefits of Choosing a Professional Contractor
When comparing DIY epoxy flooring to hiring a professional contractor, there are both benefits and drawbacks to each. But if you decide to hire someone else instead of doing it yourself, there are some distinct advantages as well.
First of all, you won’t have to worry about tools or protective gear since your contractor will already have all of the necessary items on hand — not only for epoxy installation but also for other types of work that may be needed during your project, such as wood replacement, painting, electrical work, etc. Instead of having multiple providers come out and charge you individual fees for their respective services, just one company can do everything under one roof at once.
Another positive aspect is experience and expertise — professionals perform this type of work on a daily basis and know how to avoid potential problems as well as how to fix them if they do arise. This can save you time, money, and aggravation in the long run.
A professional contractor will also have all the necessary insurance policies and licensing in place, so you don’t need to worry about that side of things. And finally, because contractors have years (sometimes decades) of experience, they are able to complete the job much more quickly than someone who is doing it themselves for the first time.
Final Thoughts on Epoxy Installations
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that when it comes to epoxy flooring, there are pros and cons to both DIY and hiring a professional contractor. So before making a final decision, take the time to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and choose what is best for your unique needs.
If you are ready to hire an epoxy contractor, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Bellevue Epoxy. We would be happy to give you an estimate for your project.