DIY or Hire a Pro 

There’s no better sense of accomplishment than tackling a home improvement project on your own. By doing it yourself you can save money on labor costs and enjoy that you’ve done the work with your own hands.

But sometimes projects need to be done by professionals.  Professional contractors can handle time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks. On average, general contractors charge $70 to $130 an hour, though, of course, their prices vary greatly around the country. For large projects, you could end up paying nearly $30,000 for contraction services, on top of the cost of basic labor and building materials.

From that perspective, do-it-yourself is undoubtedly cheaper. But it can also be impractical, dangerous, and even illegal. Here’s how to determine the best plan for your next project.

Is it safe to DIY?

Before undertaking any DIY project, always ask yourself: Could I get injured or killed doing this? If the answer is yes – or even maybe – then hiring a professional is the only option. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth your health and well-being.

Do you have the skill set?

A simple deck at ground level could be easy to tackle for a homeowner on their own or with a friend. However, projects that are more complex, such as multiple levels or tying into existing structures, require special skills and advanced knowledge. Also, if moving or running utilities are involved then a licensed professional is a must.

Remember that you could risk damaging your house if you make a mistake in your DIY project. In turn, you will probably have to call in a professional to fix the mess and correct the issue. And that can cost even more than hiring one in the first place. DIY house repair isn’t always the cheaper route.

Do you have the time to DIY?

Doing it yourself can save on labor costs, but time is money. Complex projects can take several weeks or months to complete.  Will your schedule allow you to take on a long-term project?

Are there any time-sensitive aspects of your project? Will you need time for concrete footers to cure? Is the weather cooperating? Can you work intermittently, or does it require several consecutive hours of uninterrupted labor?

Another aspect to consider is work permits. If your locality mandates them, do you have time to obtain them – assuming they can be obtained by non-professionals?

In short, while planning out your project make sure to set realistic time frames and add in a little extra for problems that may occur. If you find that you’re spending too much time that requires foregoing other responsibilities, like work – it could mean hiring a pro is more efficient.

Can you afford to DIY?

Sometimes DIY is not that much cheaper. You could end up spending more to buy tools and materials than you would on a contractor.

If your project requires specialized, expensive equipment it could cost you more in the long run. For example, you may need to do extensive earth moving for leveling the base area. To rent a small skid loader could range from $200 to $500 per day, not including the cost of having it delivered to your location. Also, do you know how to operate such equipment? You don’t want to waste time on learning as you go.

When to hire a professional.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should go the DIY or professional route, here are some simple questions to answer.

• Does the project require a permit from your municipality?

• Do you need any specialized tools or equipment costing over $100?

• Would you be working with potentially dangerous items such as electricity, gas, or other hazardous materials?

• Would a mistake make your home unlivable?

Generally, inexperienced homeowners should pursue DIY house improvements only when the stakes are low.