DIY vs contractor
Should I DIY or hire a contractor for my renovation?
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Three filters: skill, liability, and ROI. DIY makes sense for cosmetic work (paint, hardware swap, simple flooring install) where mistakes are recoverable. Hire a pro for anything load-bearing, plumbing under floors, gas, electrical above 120V circuits, roof work above 8' / 6:12 pitch, and anything requiring a permit + inspection. Time math: a homeowner takes 3–8× longer than a pro on most projects — if your hourly opportunity cost is above $40/hr, hiring out a $5,000 job that takes a pro 30 hours and you 150+ hours usually wins. Always pull a permit when one is required; unpermitted work is the single biggest resale and insurance liability.