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DIY or hire? A quick way to decide
Five questions that tell you when doing it yourself saves money, and when it costs more.
Labor is often the biggest part of a repair bill, so doing small jobs yourself can save real money. But a botched DIY job can turn a $200 repair into a $2,000 one. Ask these questions first.
The five questions
- Is it safe? Gas, electrical panels, roofs, tall ladders, structural work and garage door springs are for professionals.
- Does it need a permit or a license? Many plumbing, electrical and HVAC jobs do.
- Can a mistake cause hidden damage? Water and electrical mistakes often show up months later.
- Do I have the tools, or would buying them cost more than the labor?
- Do I have the time to finish it? A half-done job can be harder for a pro to take over.
Good DIY jobs for most people
- Replacing a toilet flapper or fill valve
- Caulking tubs, sinks and windows
- Changing furnace filters and cleaning dryer vents
- Patching small drywall holes and painting
- Weatherstripping doors and windows
Split the job
You can often save by doing the easy parts yourself: demolition, painting, cleanup or buying fixtures. Agree on this in writing before work starts, so nobody argues later about whose work caused a problem.
General information, not legal, financial or construction advice. Prices and rules vary by state and city. Affordable Home Assistance doesn't take referral fees or payments from any contractor, lender or brand.