Home Improvement: DIY or Hire a Pro?

A do-it-yourself home improvement project can save you money on labor costs and give you the satisfaction of fixing up your home with your own hands. However, some projects, especially complicated, time-consuming, or dangerous tasks, are better left to experts.

When deciding to hire a professional contractor, consider the time you would have to spend on the project, your experience and the difficulty of the job. For larger projects, such as remodeling, you may want to invest in a general contractor to manage subcontractors or serve as a general contractor yourself.

Here are some tips to help you choose when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional.

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1. The project is small enough to learn quickly

If you want to paint your deck, for example, you may need to watch tutorial videos, read about paint choices, and ask paint sellers for advice. If you have the time to learn the steps and complete the project in a reasonable time frame, doing it yourself can make sense.

2. You have the patience to work through small mistakes

If you’re not a pro, expect that your DIY project won’t be perfect on the first try. You may have to make extra trips to the store because you didn’t correctly measure the amount of wood you needed, or you may discover your paint dried unevenly and need to start over to get the look you want. It’ll help if you’re flexible enough to work through minor errors.

3. You view home repair as a hobby

If you enjoy carpentry, painting and other renovation-related activities, you may enjoy a DIY project involving similar tasks. You may even find the process as enjoyable as the final result.

4. You’re okay with “good enough”

There’s a chance your project won’t turn out as well as a pro’s work. There may be some visible brushstrokes in a newly painted room, or some floor tiles may be slightly uneven. A small DIY job could be worthwhile if the problems are minor and you can live with the results.

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1. A mistake would have pricey or dangerous consequences

If an error would make your home unsafe — faulty electrical wiring that could cause a fire, for example — it’s not worth the risk of doing it yourself. Outsource projects that could affect your family’s well-being or be expensive to correct if not done right.

Reputable contractors will have insurance and offer a warranty for their work, which protects you as the homeowner. If they make a mistake or, worse, damage your property, they’d pay to fix the problem.

2. The home renovation requires permits

Many localities require permits for electrical, structural and other major work. You’ll want to contact your city government and ask local contractors which remodel licenses are required in your area. These jobs generally require specialized knowledge, so it’s better to let a professional handle the work.

3. Your time’s better spent on something else

Paying a contractor can free you up for other activities, such as spending more time with your family. If you put a premium on those other activities, it makes sense to hire a professional.

4. You’re planning to sell your home

When you get ready to sell your house, you want it in the best condition possible. An amateur DIY job could be a turnoff for potential buyers and may even spark concerns that the home has other problems.

» MORE: How much it costs to sell your house

5. You’re remodeling

In some cases, you might do some parts of a remodel or upgrade yourself while also working with an expert. For example, you could decide to take on the role of general contractor for a significant project, such as a bathroom remodel, and hire subcontractors for specialized work, including electrical wiring, plumbing and cabinet installation.