Doing a woodworking project yourself has its advantages as well as drawbacks.
Flexibility with time, scheduling, money savings and personal satisfaction are some of the advantages.
While a private contractor will already have the tools necessary and probably more experience.
A private contractor will also be more time conscious, wanting to get the job done so they can move on to the next job to make more money.
The best way to take advantage of a do it yourself woodworking project is pre-planning.
There are numerous books, e-books and websites that are a wealth of information for pretty much any woodworking project you might want to tackle.
Have a comprehensive idea of your project from start to finish, including plans, tools, time and safety gear.
Shopping around for tools or materials is one way to save some money and don't forget pawn shops or auctions, they can be excellent places to get great deals.
When contemplating what tools you need figure out what tools are multi-purpose and can be used for any future projects or jobs you might have.
Specialty tools can usually be rented for a reasonable price.
Don't be afraid to borrow tools from friends (don't forget to clean and return) or to pick their brains for information they might have about the job you are doing.
More flexibility with your time will allow you to work around any possible visits by friends or relatives, hopefully ensuring adequate power, water and little mess.
Working on your own schedule will also allow you to possibly make changes to your project without being prohibitively expensive.
Safety gear is something that should never be overlooked.
Facemasks should be used on most woodworking projects.
There are different kinds of masks,used for simple dust to dangerous fumes, so make sure you read the labels to make sure you get the correct kind.
Safety glasses are also important so make sure they fit well and are comfortable,a second pair might be a good idea if a friend or child is helping.