DIY vs hiring a pro
By Stephen Morrison, Editor Last reviewed
Put a contractor's quote next to what it would cost you to do the job yourself: materials, tools, fees, a margin for mistakes and, if you want, your time. You bring the numbers; nothing here is a guess about your local prices.
When the rules or the risk say hire a pro
- Asbestos: EPA says removal must be done only by a trained and accredited asbestos professional. Leave undamaged material alone.
- Gas appliances: should be professionally installed (New York State Department of Health). Ask your building department who may do gas work where you live.
- Electrical and plumbing: permits are usually required (ICC). Some cities let homeowners do this work on their own home under an owner permit, with limits: Austin's Homestead Permit excludes the main electric service and LP gas.
- Structure: anything load-bearing (beams, headers, deck footings) is sized from code and span tables. Get a design and a permit.
- Heights: CPSC estimates 273,000 people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving ladders and stools in 2024.
- Digging: contact 811 a few business days before you dig, whoever holds the shovel.
Hidden costs of DIY
- Tools you'll use once: renting is often cheaper; enter both and compare.
- Mistakes: a wasted box of tile or a re-cut board. The "extra for mistakes" line covers it.
- Warranty: a contractor's workmanship warranty, and some manufacturers' product warranties, can depend on professional installation. Read the fine print.
- Time off: a job that takes a pro two days can take a first-timer two weekends.
If you hire
Use the contractor hiring checklist to check licenses and insurance and compare quotes, and track payments in the project planner.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to do it yourself?
Often in cash, not always overall. In our example, a $4,000 quote against $2,150 of DIY materials, tools and fees saves $1,850.00 in cash. That's about $46.25 per hour for 40 hours of your time. Value that time at $25 an hour and the real saving drops to $850.00.
Do I need a permit if I do the work myself?
Usually the same permits apply whoever does the work. The International Code Council says permits are usually required for additions, renovations, and electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. Some places let homeowners pull permits for their own home. Austin, Texas, for example, has a Homestead Permit for owner-occupants, but it excludes the main electric service and LP gas plumbing. Ask your local building department.
Does the EPA lead rule apply to DIY?
Not to homeowners working on their own home: EPA says the RRP rule “does not impose requirements on homeowners performing renovations in their own homes.” It does apply if you rent out all or part of your home, run a child care center there, or renovate homes to sell for profit. EPA still urges DIYers in pre-1978 homes to work lead-safe.
Can I install a gas appliance myself?
Safety guidance says no. The New York State Department of Health says “all gas appliances should be professionally installed,” for example by your gas supplier. Local rules on who may do gas work vary, so ask your building department.
What does “saved per hour” mean?
Your cash saving divided by the hours you’d spend. If it’s less than what your time is worth to you, or what you earn, hiring out may be the better deal, even before counting risk and warranty.
Sources
- EPA, Frequent questions for do-it-yourselfers (RRP rule)
- EPA, Lead-safe renovations for DIYers
- EPA, Protect your family from exposures to asbestos
- New York State Department of Health, Supplemental space heaters (gas appliances)
- International Code Council, Consumer safety: permits
- City of Austin, Homeowner (Homestead) Permit
- CPSC, 2024 Report of Deaths and Injuries Involving Consumer Products (Table F)
- Common Ground Alliance, 811 Before You Dig
Formulas and figures last checked against these sources on. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.