DIY vs. Professional: Choosing the Best Approach for Your Home Improvement Project

It used to be that when you needed help with a project, your first stop was your neighbor’s garage or calling your parents. Now, with a quick online search, you can learn to change a door, wire a light, or tackle countless other home projects.

With all these resources at our fingertips, it’s no surprise that DIY (do-it-yourself) projects are on the rise. That’s why we recently surveyed 500 homeowners to find out why DIY is so tempting—and what can go wrong. Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional services and learn when hiring an expert can save you time, money, and headaches.

The Appeal of DIY

Some of the benefits of DIY are obvious: You can work on your own schedule and save money. But in our survey, homeowners also said “pride in a job I completed myself” was one of the top benefits of DIY. Here are all the main advantages of going the DIY route:

• Affordability: You can skip labor costs, leaving more room in your budget for materials.
• Flexibility: You can tackle the project on your own time, and you have complete creative control.
• Pride in your work: There’s nothing like seeing a finished project you completed yourself.
• Learning new skills: In our survey, 81% of homeowners said they were likely to attempt a DIY project requiring them to learn a new skill.

While DIY projects have their perks, you should also be aware of common drawbacks:

• Risk of mistakes: A lack of experience can lead to costly errors, from mismatched finishes to renovations that aren’t up to code.
• Time commitment: Without a team or the right tools, a DIY job can take far longer than expected, especially with larger projects.
• Limited resources: Professional-quality tools and materials can be pricey. Limited resources often mean DIY projects look less polished than pro jobs.

Benefits of Working with Professionals

While our survey respondents were fans of DIY, nearly half had worked with a professional in the past year. Why? The top two benefits of working with pros were expert knowledge and convenience. Here’s why a professional approach benefits you:

• Skill and experience: Professionals bring expertise that minimizes mistakes and produces better, longer-lasting results. 
• Convenience: With a trained team and proper equipment, pros can finish jobs quickly and handle unexpected issues — and you don’t have to lift a finger. 
• Warranties and guarantees: Reputable contractors offer warranties on their work, so if something goes wrong, you’re covered. 
• Access to tools: Pros already have access to top-quality tools and materials, which leads to a higher-quality result without the cost of rentals or purchases. 

 Hiring a pro also has some potential drawbacks. Here’s what to consider: 

• Cost: Hiring a professional usually costs more than DIY, so get multiple quotes. And keep in mind that while it might cost more now, pros will do higher-quality, longer-lasting work.   
• Trust: Finding a reputable professional can take time. Check reviews and ask for references to feel confident in your choice. 

Deciding on DIY vs. Professional Help

Both options have their pros and cons, so how do you decide between DIY vs. professional help on your next home project? If you’re on the fence, ask yourself these questions to find the right approach.

Do You Have the Necessary Skills and Tools?

Before you start, make sure you know how involved your project will be. In our survey, 34% of respondents said they had to hire professionals to complete DIY projects they started because the project was more involved than they anticipated.  

Basic skills might be enough for painting or small decor projects, but you’ll need more advanced skills for larger tasks. For example, window replacement involves careful measurements, a tight seal, and proper leveling to ensure insulation, security, and durability. Without these skills, you might have air leaks or moisture issues that affect your home’s comfort and safety. 

Bathroom remodels are another area where you’ll want professional help for tasks like plumbing, tiling, or installing new fixtures. Errors here can lead to expensive repairs down the line.  

Start with smaller DIY projects to build your skills before attempting major renovations. 

Is the Project Safe to DIY?

Safety is important: 26% of homeowners in our survey said they had injured themselves during a DIY project. Working with a pro can help you avoid injury on the following projects: 

• Plumbing or electrical work: These are specialized skills that should be left to the pros. DIYing these tasks incorrectly could cause water damage or electrical hazards. 

• Structural changes: Major renovations that involve modifying the structure of your home can pose risk. Work with a professional to ensure safety and prevent damage to your home. 

• Working at heights: Tasks involving ladders, roofs, and other heights carry a high risk of falls and injuries. Avoid DIY projects like this unless you have the proper safety equipment and experience. 

• Hazardous materials: Dealing with asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials requires special training and equipment.  

How Valuable Is Your Time?

In the world of DIY vs. professional projects, time is one of the biggest trade-offs. DIY often takes longer because you’re doing everything on your own, and a lack of experience can cause even more delays. If you’re working on a tight timeline, consider hiring a professional. Pros bring experience and often multiple people to complete a project, so they’re less likely to run into delays or unexpected issues.

However, if you’re an experienced DIYer and enjoy taking time with projects, a DIY approach could be more rewarding. If you don’t mind a slower pace and have free weekends, a “labor of love” DIY project might be your preference.

Are You Considering All Costs?

Lower costs are a major benefit of DIY, but it doesn’t always work out how you planned: 35% of homeowners we surveyed said they budget for DIY costs but often end up spending more. Remember to consider hidden expenses like quality materials or specialized tools. For example, window installation might require caulking guns, levelers, and drills you don’t already own.

Disposing of the old materials also requires planning. Some waste may need special disposal or recycling, especially if it includes hazardous materials like glass, asbestos, or treated wood. Check with local waste services for guidelines or hire a professional who can handle it for you.

Compare costs carefully to decide if DIY truly saves you money.

Working With Local Professionals on Your Next Project

Ultimately, the debate between DIY vs. professional isn’t just about budget. It’s also about the time you’re willing to commit and whether you have the skills you need. Nearly half of homeowners in our survey said they’re willing to hire a professional for a project that involves knowledge or expertise they don’t have — a choice that helps prevent hassles down the line. 

For big-impact renovations like your bathroom, windows, or front door, West Shore Home’s team can get your project done with speed and precision. You get the results you want, along with expert guidance and financing options that fit your budget. Contact us today for a professional in-home consultation about your next project. 

FAQs

How do I determine if a project is suitable for DIY?

To determine whether you should DIY, think about the project’s complexity, safety requirements, and skill needs. Small jobs like painting or hardware updates are generally safe for DIY, while structural, plumbing, or electrical work is often best left to professionals. Making mistakes on your DIY project could lead to repair costs that negate your savings on labor costs.

What are some common DIY mistakes to avoid?

Rushing through projects, skipping proper measurements, and using the wrong materials are all frequent DIY missteps. Underestimating costs and time can also lead to frustration, so make sure you research your project and budget realistically. Watch out for issues like inadequate prep work on surfaces and don’t forget to get the permits you need.

When is it worth it to hire a home improvement professional?

It’s worth hiring a professional when your project involves major renovations, safety risks, or complicated installations. If you’re on a tight timeline or need help with design and permits, working with a pro can save time, stress, and money in the long run.