Whether it’s fixing a plumbing issue or tackling a remodeling project, as a homeowner, you’ve probably wondered at some point, Should I hire a pro or just do it myself
Although embarking on the do-it-yourself route could reap the rewards in terms of cost savings, there’s always a chance that things could go wrong if you don’t have the proper skills, experience and tools to take on the project. In some cases, choosing DIY could set you back a pretty penny and be a complete waste of time.
That said, it’s not always easy to decide if a project is meant for a professional or if it’s worth attempting on your own. That’s why we put together this guide to help homeowners decide which option is right for them: DIY or hire a pro?
DIY vs. professional chart for home projects
The table below can help you quickly decide between hiring a pro vs. taking the DIY route. Many of the home projects that you can DIY or hand off to a professional involve cleaning, painting and maintaining the project. Meanwhile, home projects that involve installation, construction, major repairs, gas, electricity, wiring and plumbing are better left to a pro.
| Project | PRO | DIY | Who to hire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major appliances (install, repair, maintenance) | ✘ | Appliance Services | |
| Small appliances (install, repair, maintenance) | ✘ | Appliance Services | |
| Bathroom remodel | ✘ | Bathroom remodelers, general contractors | |
| Cabinets (install, refinish, reface) | ✘ | Cabinet builders, refinishers, refacing services | |
| Cabinets (paint) | ✘ | Cabinet painters | |
| Carpets (install, removal) | ✘ | Carpet installers, removal companies | |
| Carpets (clean) | ✘ | Carpet cleaners, house cleaners | |
| Chimney (inspect, clean, repair) | ✘ | Chimney cleaners, inspectors, repair services | |
| Concrete (install, seal, repair) | ✘ | Concrete contractors | |
| Counters (install, seal, repair, refinish, resurface) | ✘ | Countertop professionals | |
| Decks (install) | ✘ | Deck contractors | |
| Decks (seal, paint, repair) | ✘ | Deck contractors, painters, sealers | |
| Duct and vent cleaning | ✘ | Duct cleaners | |
| Exterior painting (siding, doors, window frames, etc.) | ✘ | Exterior painters | |
| Fences (install, repair) | ✘ | Fence professionals | |
| Fences (paint, stain, seal) | ✘ | Fence painters, staining professionals | |
| Fireplace (install, inspect, clean, repair) | ✘ | Fireplace contractors, inspectors, cleaners | |
| Foundation (pour, repair, seal) | ✘ | Foundation contractors | |
| Furnace (install, repair, maintenance) | ✘ | Furnace installation, maintenance, repair services | |
| Gas line (install, repair) | ✘ | Gas pipe contractors, plumbers | |
| Gutters (install, repair) | ✘ | Gutter professionals | |
| Gutters (clean) | ✘ | Gutter cleaners | |
| Hardwood (install, refinish, repair) | ✘ | Hardwood companies & contractors | |
| Hardwood (clean) | ✘ | Hardwood floor cleaners, house cleaners | |
| Home security system (install, monitoring) | ✘ | Home security specialists | |
| HVAC (install, maintenance) | ✘ | HVAC technicians | |
| Insulation (install) | ✘ | Insulation contractor | |
| Interior painting (walls, ceiling, etc.) | ✘ | Interior painters | |
| Kitchen remodel | ✘ | Kitchen designers, remodelers, general contractors, architects | |
| Laminate floors (install, repair) | ✘ | Laminate flooring professionals | |
| Laminate floors (clean) | ✘ | Laminate floor cleaners, house cleaners | |
| Landscaping (construction) | ✘ | Landscapers, landscape architects, general contractors | |
| Landscaping (maintenance) | ✘ | Landscapers | |
| Lawn care | ✘ | Lawn care services, landscapers, gardeners | |
| Light installation | ✘ | Lighting companies, electrician | |
| Mold (inspect, remediation) | ✘ | Mold remediation services, inspectors | |
| Patio (install, repair) | ✘ | Patio professionals | |
| Pest control | ✘ | Exterminators | |
| Pipe (repair burst or frozen pipes) | ✘ | Plumbers | |
| Pipe (repair leaky pipes | ✘ | Plumbers | |
| Pressure washing (deck, driveway, fence, patio, etc.) | ✘ | Pressure washing services | |
| Roofing (clean, install, repair, inspect) | ✘ | Roofing contractors, inspectors, cleaners | |
| Room addition | ✘ | General contractors | |
| Siding (install, repair) | ✘ | Siding contractors & companies | |
| Siding (remove, paint) | ✘ | Siding contractors & companies, exterior painters | |
| Snowplowing | ✘ | Snowplow services | |
| Switch & outlets (install, repair) | ✘ | Electricians | |
| Termite control | ✘ | Termite exterminators | |
| Tile floors (install, repair, seal) | ✘ | Tile contractors & companies | |
| Tile floors (clean) | ✘ | Tile floor cleaners, house cleaners | |
| Tree trimming | ✘ | Tree trimmers, landscapers | |
| Tree removal | ✘ | Tree removal services | |
| Trim installation | ✘ | Trim carpenters, contractors | |
| Vinyl floors (install, repair, seal) | ✘ | Vinyl flooring companies | |
| Vinyl floors (clean) | ✘ | Vinyl floor cleaners, house cleaners | |
| Water heater (install, maintenance, repair) | ✘ | Water heater services, plumbers | |
| Waterproofing basement | ✘ | Waterproofing professionals | |
| Windows (install, repair, clean) | ✘ | Window professionals |
Why these home projects always require a pro.
You might think you could DIY most of your home improvement endeavors, but there are some projects that you simply cannot DIY. You might not be allowed to DIY the project without the proper permit or license. Or, it may be too dangerous for the average homeowner. The following is a list of projects that almost always require a pro.
Bathroom remodeling is definitely work cut out for the pros — specifically, a bathroom remodeler or a general contractor. When a professional handles your bathroom remodel, they can help ensure the project is completed on time, stays on budget and is being handled by the best contractors, painters, plumbers, etc. A professional can also give you a timeframe in which to expect the job to be completed.
Duct and vent cleaning is ideal work for a professional duct cleaner. A pro will not only cleans your ducts and vents but will also inspect your system for potential issues. They’ll also take the necessary steps to protect your carpets and furnishing as they’re cleaning.
All of your electrical and lighting work should be handled by a licensed electrician. That way, you can avoid potential fires, shocks and other home safety hazards caused by DIY repairs or outlet installations done wrong.
Floor installation, especially hardwood floor installation, is a project for a flooring professional. Some floor designs are complex, and the installer would need to follow specific patterns to attain a certain look or shape. Incorrect DIY floor installation could also damage your flooring, which could mean more expenses for you.
Installing gas lines can only be conducted by a qualified professional, such as a licensed plumber or gas pipe contractor. Improperly installed pipes could lead to gas leaks and explosions, so DIY is out of the question here.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) work should always be done by HVAC contractors, companies and technicians. These professionals are equipped to safely clean, service and repair your system. They can also get the job done faster, and they know how to improve your HVAC’s efficiency
Kitchen remodeling should be strictly handled by a few pros, as they can give you high-quality results. Kitchen designers and general contractors know how to reconfigure your kitchen’s layout with ease. They’re your best bet for accurately measuring your space, ordering the materials and installing new countertops, cabinets, flooring and other furnishings.
Mold remediation is best done by a mold remediation professional. These experts have the proper equipment, such as air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, to detect and eradicate mold. These pros know where to inspect your home for mold, and they can detect moisture that could promote mold growth.
Pest control and removal jobs are best done by professional exterminators. Exterminators are qualified to ascertain the source of the infestation, provide the ideal treatment plan and help prevent future infestations. Exterminators also need to be licensed or certified.
Although you might be able to fix a leaky pipe on your own, pipe installation and major plumbing issues should be left to professional plumbers. Plumbers are trained and equipped to install water and gas pipes, as well as repair leaks and other issues. With the proper tools to execute these tasks, they can quickly get the job done and detect hard-to-identify problems within your plumbing system. Unresolved plumbing problems can also lead to water damage, so a plumber protects your home from that potential damage too.
Roofing tasks (repairing, replacing and inspecting) are best handled by licensed roofers. Roofers know where to attain quality, durable materials for the job, and they can help you choose the best materials for your roof type. They have the know-how and correct tools to repair your roof, and they can inspect your roof for potential problems.
Room additions should be completed by a licensed general contractor, interior designer and/or architect. You will also likely need to work with an electrician, plumber and other contractors — and your general contractor can assemble the team of contractors you need.
Contractors, designers and architects can help you stay on budget with your room addition, and they can provide design concepts and plans. These professionals are also privy to the building inspects and permits required for the job. And, they’ll also know if the site needs to be prepared, which could involve excavation and demolition.
Spray foam insulation is best done by an insulation pro because it’s safer to do so. Spray foam contains potentially harmful chemicals. It’s also best for a professional to remove any existing insulation from your home and check to see if there are any areas in your home that need to be insulated.