- DIY can save money, but time, skill and project difficulty matter too.
- Small cosmetic jobs and basic repairs may be good DIY projects.
- Electrical, licensed plumbing, structural and safety-sensitive work is usually best left to a pro.
- If you’re unsure, the job is risky or a contractor advises it, hire professional help.
Do-It-Yourself or Don’t? When to Hire a Professional
When it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for home improvement, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. Taking on a DIY home improvement project can also help you save money on labor. But when you’re weighing DIY vs. professional options, there’s much more than cost to keep in mind.
Key Takeaways
How to decide between DIY and professional help
Before starting a home project, consider the skill level, tools, time and safety risks involved. Some quick and easy home improvement projects may be manageable on your own, while others are better left to a home maintenance contractor or other trained professional.
| Type of work | DIY may make sense when | Hire a pro when |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic updates | You’re handling touch-ups, basic painting or other quick and easy home improvement projects | The work involves height, specialty materials or hard-to-access areas |
| Electrical and plumbing | The task is minor and you’re confident using the right tools | The repair affects wiring, pipes behind walls or fixtures that could cause bigger damage |
| Structural or layout changes | Rarely a DIY job | You’re removing walls, changing a room layout or making repairs that affect the home’s structure |
Common projects: DIY or hire a pro?
Once you understand the broader risk categories, it can help to look at common projects individually. The examples below show where DIY may be reasonable and where hiring a professional is usually the safer choice.
| Project | DIY | Hire a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Tile and flooring | Installing tile, carpet squares or engineered hardwoods1 | Difficult-to-find stones, managing tricky corners, installing special accents1 |
| Painting | Painting interior walls, painting exterior areas such as a front door or deck, and handling touch-ups1 | Painting elevated surfaces, such as cathedral ceilings or shutters1 |
| Electrical work | Changing light plate switches, hanging a light fixture1,2 | Rewiring, adding new lighting, grounding outlets1,2 |
| Plumbing | Unclogging drains, replacing kitchen faucets, repairing a toilet flush valve1,2 | Installing tubs and toilets, repairing pipes hidden in walls and flooring1,2 |
| Demolition | Ripping out cabinets, removing carpeting1,2 | Removing walls, changing the layout of a room, performing structural repairs1,2 |
Quick tip: If a project could affect your home’s wiring, plumbing, structure or safety, it may be one of the home repairs to hire out instead of attempting on your own.
When a home maintenance contractor might make sense
Many common home repairs aren’t without risk when it comes to your own safety, as well as the integrity of your home. Before you pull out your toolbox and begin hammering away, consider your level of training and the project’s difficulty.
A home maintenance contractor or licensed professional may be the better choice when the project involves safety risks, permits, specialized tools or potential damage behind walls, floors or ceilings. This is especially true for major electrical, plumbing, structural, roofing or elevated work.
Unsure where the line falls between DIY and hiring a professional? It might help to get an estimate from a qualified pro before you begin.
As a general rule of thumb, don’t try things at home if:
- You aren’t sure how to use the necessary tools.
- The project involves major electrical or plumbing work.
- A professional in the business or a contractor advises you to hire a pro.
- Serious injury or damage is a possibility if something goes wrong.
Before beginning any DIY project, do your research and follow all recommended safety measures. Hire a certified professional for more difficult projects to give you peace of mind.
Need help finding the right fit? Explore the pros and cons of contractors, explore tips for avoiding water damage and find out when to replace certain appliances.
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FAQs about DIY home repairs
Start by thinking about safety, skill level, tools, time and the cost of getting the repair wrong. DIY may work for smaller cosmetic jobs, but larger or riskier projects may call for professional help.
Any repairs involving electrical systems, plumbing behind walls, structural changes, roof work or elevated painting. These projects may carry more safety risk or require specialized experience.
When a project affects multiple parts of the home, needs permits, involves hidden damage or goes beyond basic maintenance.
Some quick and easy home improvement projects, such as touch-up painting, swapping light plates or unclogging a drain, may be realistic DIY tasks if you feel comfortable and can do them safely.
Home Improvement Projects: To DIY or Hire a Pro?, Zillow, 2015.
DIY vs. Professional Renovation: What to Tackle Yourself and What to Leave to the Pros, Curbed, 2018.
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