Lessons from a recent Hire It Done episode with SPS Glass Block & Egress
DIY Temptation vs. Real-World Results
It’s easy to scroll through social media and believe any project can be “DIY-ed” over a weekend.
But as Hire It Done host Adam Helfman put it best during a recent episode:
“I’m not anti–do-it-yourself, I’m pro do-it-for-me.”
Together with Chuck Chughtai, owner of SPS Glass Block & Egress, they broke down what really happens when homeowners try to save money by skipping the pros—and how hiring experts actually reduces risk and saves money in the long run.
1. Professionals Keep You Safe and Code-Compliant
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or finishing a basement, Michigan’s building codes exist for a reason: safety.
Ignoring them can turn a simple project into an expensive mistake—or a dangerous one.
Take egress windows, for example.
They’re legally required for any livable basement area, yet many homeowners don’t realize the rules until an inspection fails or, worse, an emergency happens.
“If you’ve got a bedroom in your basement, you need two ways of escape,” Chuck explained. “One’s the stairs—and the other should be an egress window.”
Licensed contractors like SPS Glass Block & Egress know those rules inside out.
They pull permits, schedule inspections, and make sure every measurement—like keeping the window opening under 44 inches from the floor—meets Michigan’s strict safety code.
Cutting through a foundation without that knowledge isn’t just risky—it’s illegal in most cities.
Hiring a pro means peace of mind that your project is done right and your home stays protected.
2. Pros Have the Right Tools (and the Know-How to Use Them)
Chuck and his crew invest in specialized concrete-cutting saws, drainage systems, and excavation equipment that most homeowners have never seen—let alone operated.
“Some of these basements have 12-inch-thick poured walls,” he said. “We use ring saws that cut through 10 inches and concrete chainsaws that go up to 18.”
That equipment isn’t available at your local hardware store—and even if it were, the margin for error is slim.
A single uneven cut can crack the wall, compromise waterproofing, and turn into a multi-thousand-dollar repair.
Professionals don’t just bring the tools; they bring the experience.
They’ve learned how to navigate Michigan’s unpredictable soils—clay one yard, sand the next—and ensure the job is completed safely, cleanly, and efficiently.
3. You’re Paying for Expertise, Not Just Labor
One of the most overlooked benefits of hiring a professional is the problem-solving instinct that comes from years in the field.
Chuck isn’t just an installer—he’s a licensed builder who looks at the entire home before starting.
“I always ask if they’ve had water issues or flooding,” he said. “I look at grading, cracks, and drainage before I even start cutting.”
That kind of foresight catches problems most homeowners never notice—until it’s too late.
A pro will flag foundation cracks, clogged drains, or poor grading that could cause flooding later.
A DIYer might cover them up and only discover the issue when the basement leaks.
Expertise doesn’t just prevent mistakes; it adds value.
A project done by a licensed contractor automatically carries more weight with home inspectors, appraisers, and future buyers.
4. Pros Document Everything
When Adam and Chuck discussed the biggest difference between amateurs and professionals, one word came up again and again: documentation.
“Contractors today need tools that cover your… well, you know,” Adam joked. “Documentation, documentation, documentation.”
SPS Glass Block & Egress photographs every phase of their installations—from excavation to drainage tie-ins—so homeowners can see exactly what was done behind the walls.
If an issue ever arises years later, that visual proof saves endless arguments and unexpected costs.
For homeowners, it’s also protection.
In Michigan’s unpredictable weather, where thaw-freeze cycles test every foundation, having that record can make warranty claims or resale disclosures seamless.
5. Hiring a Pro Saves Time and Stress
Adam likes to say that the most valuable tool in a homeowner’s toolbox isn’t a hammer—it’s time.
Every minute spent watching tutorials, renting tools, or fixing a DIY mistake is time you could have spent with your family—or earning money doing what you do best.
“The most important tool in your toolbox isn’t your checkbook—it’s time,” Adam said on the show. “A good contractor saves you both.”
Professional contractors handle the scheduling, material sourcing, permitting, inspections, and cleanup. You simply approve the plan, sign off on the estimate, and come home to a finished, code-compliant job.
In Chuck’s case, that means a one-day installation for an egress window—complete with excavation, waterproofing, cleanup, and inspection scheduling.
Try beating that timeline on your own.
6. Transparent Pricing and Real Guarantees
Another myth about hiring professionals: it always costs more.
Not true—at least not when you compare apples to apples.
“My standard egress window starts around $5,500,” Chuck shared. “That’s labor, materials, permits, cleanup—everything.”
He works with each customer’s budget and even includes extras like glass-block window upgrades with certain packages.
No surprise fees, no hidden labor charges.
That’s the difference between a handshake deal and a professional contract.
With pros, you get itemized quotes, warranties, and clear expectations—all things that protect you long after the project’s done.
7. Quality That Lasts for Decades
Michigan’s weather can be brutal on home exteriors.
Poor installations—especially around basements—don’t just leak; they fail.
Chuck uses metal window wells, not plastic, to resist cracking during the state’s freeze-thaw cycles.
He installs tempered-glass windows with triple latches for security and durability.
And every project is built to handle heavy rain, shifting soil, and years of wear.
“We tie every window well into the drain system,” he said. “That way, rainwater drains away from the house instead of inside it.”
That level of precision means homeowners can trust the work—and enjoy lower maintenance costs for years to come.
8. Communication Is the Real Key
A successful home-improvement project isn’t just about craftsmanship—it’s about communication.
Adam emphasized this throughout the episode: homeowners should expect clarity from start to finish.
That means written proposals, detailed scopes of work, and open conversations about what’s included (and what’s not).
In Adam’s words:
“Give the estimate back to the contractor and say, ‘What’s not included?’ It makes them think, measure twice, and cut once.”
That mindset builds trust on both sides.
And when something unexpected happens—like hitting a boulder during excavation—a professional knows how to explain the situation, show photos, and offer a solution before it becomes a conflict.
9. Pros Protect Your Investment
Your home is likely your biggest asset.
Every modification—especially structural ones—can affect its value, safety, and resale potential.
That’s why cutting corners rarely pays off.
Hiring a professional through a trusted network like Hire It Done means you’re getting someone vetted, insured, and accountable.
They follow a code of ethics, carry proper licensing, and, most importantly, care about reputation.
“I just want homeowners bragging about my contractors,” Adam said. “That’s what Hire It Done is built on.”
Final Thoughts: Trust Experience, Not Luck
Every project teaches one truth: the cheapest route is rarely the safest.
Home improvement done right is an investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
When you hire a pro, you’re not paying just for the job—you’re paying for decades of expertise, the right tools, and the assurance that someone’s got your back if anything goes wrong.
So before you pick up the hammer, pick up the phone.
Call a trusted professional.
If you’re in Metro Detroit or Southeast Michigan, start with HireItDone.com.You’ll find licensed experts like SPS Glass Block & Egress, ready to make your home safer, stronger, and stress-free.
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About Hire It Done:
Hire It Done is a trusted resource for navigating the home improvement process, led by industry expert Adam Helfman. Focused on educating homeowners, Hire It Done provides key questions to ask contractors, especially those they may avoid answering. Through its weekly national radio show, Hire It Done offers practical advice and connects homeowners with elite contractors for a hassle-free experience. The platform has become a go-to for homeowners seeking expert guidance and reliable contractors.
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About Adam Helfman:
Adam Helfman has been Metro Detroit's trusted home improvement expert for over 35 years. As the founder of Hire It Done, he’s connected homeowners with top-quality contractors for two decades. Adam's popular Saturday morning home improvement radio show has been a go-to resource for Metro Detroiters for 18 years.
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