DIY or Hire It Out? How to Decide
The right question is not whether you could do it. It is what happens if you do it slightly wrong.
Fact-checked and reviewed by a licensed general contractor by Tomas Garrity. Read our content review process.
Use one test: what is the cost of a small mistake? Painting a wall badly costs an afternoon. Wiring a circuit badly costs a house.
Good DIY projects
- Painting, patching, and caulking
- Replacing faucets, toilets, and light fixtures on existing connections
- Installing shelving, hardware, and window treatments
- Replacing weatherstripping and door sweeps
- Basic landscaping, mulching, and planting
- Air sealing and adding attic insulation, with proper protective gear
- Replacing a garbage disposal or dishwasher on existing connections
- Tiling a small backsplash
Hire it out
- Anything inside the electrical panel, or adding circuits
- Gas line work of any kind
- Structural changes, including removing any wall you have not proven is non-load-bearing
- Roofing, and any work above single-story height
- Sewer and main water line work
- Shower waterproofing and pan construction
- Anything requiring a permit you cannot obtain as a homeowner
- Asbestos, lead paint disturbance, and mold remediation beyond a small area
The honest cost accounting
DIY saves labor, which is 40 to 60 percent of most project costs. But count tool purchase or rental, materials you will waste learning, the time value of your weekends, and the likelihood of hiring someone to finish it anyway. Projects that take a professional two days often take a first-timer three weekends.
A middle path
Many contractors will accept homeowner participation for demolition, painting, cleanup, and material transport — often the least skilled and most time-consuming portions. Ask before the contract is signed and get the split in writing, since it changes their liability and scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do my own electrical work?
Some jurisdictions permit homeowners to work on their own residence with a permit and inspection; others do not. Even where permitted, panel work and new circuits are worth hiring out.
What DIY project saves the most money?
Painting, by a wide margin, because labor dominates the cost and the skill is learnable in an afternoon.
Does DIY work affect my home insurance?
Improper unpermitted work can complicate a claim if it contributes to a loss. Pull permits when required and keep documentation.
Editorial note. This article is general guidance, not a substitute for a professional inspection. If you suspect a gas leak, electrical fault, structural damage, or any condition that may be unsafe, leave the area if necessary and contact a licensed professional or your utility immediately.
