Renovating old homes and uncomfortable and awkward spaces is trending nowadays. You may have watched videos where people are transforming troublesome spaces into real-world living-breathing areas that are very impressive to look at, and all in a very short time.
However, this is not the case in the real world. The transformation work you see in a 30-minute video generally takes a week of work in the background. Also, many other people help with the same project that you don’t see.
The reason I bring up this topic is because we found many people (DIYers) who seek professional help down the road and when they get stuck. However, in many cases, we have to undo some of their DIY work and start over. And it costs more than if they would hire a professional at the beginning.
My purpose is not to demotivate your DIY approach. Instead, I want to let you know which parts of the renovation DIYers can do and which they can’t. This will give you an overall idea of a general renovation project and help you decide where to DIY and where to hire professionals. This will also save you from wasting money down the road and redoing the same thing twice.
From upgrading kitchens to adding new features, renovations have the potential to transform a house and increase its value. But for many homeowners, the big question is: Which tasks can I handle myself, and which should I leave to the professionals?
In this guide, I’ll explain some common renovation tasks, helping you decide when a DIY approach might work and when hiring the pros is best.
Why Consider DIY?
DIY projects are popular for a reason. They offer a sense of accomplishment, can save money, and allow for more flexibility in timelines.
However, this approach isn’t always the best choice, especially if a project involves technical skills, safety concerns, and potential structural impacts.
When to DIY: Safe and Manageable Tasks
Not every home project needs a professional. Some tasks are fairly straightforward, and homeowners can tackle these without issue.
Here are a few examples:
Painting and Wallpapering
Painting a room or hanging wallpaper is a classic task. It’s relatively low-cost, requires minimal tools, and you can bring professional-looking result with a little effort and consistency. You just need to prepare the surface properly, invest in quality brushes or rollers, and follow instructions on paint drying times.
When hanging wallpaper, be careful when matching patterns. This low-risk project has very little chance for significant errors and big demurrage (if anything goes wrong).
Read also: What is the correct order to renovate a house?
Installing Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Changing out light fixtures or installing a ceiling fan is a manageable DIY project if you’re comfortable turning off the electrical power and following installation instructions carefully. Just ensure you’re aware of your home’s wiring setup.
It’s a relatively simple job that you can do in a couple of hours as long as you’re careful and safety-conscious.
Read also: How do you save money on home remodeling?
Basic Landscaping
Improving curb appeal with landscaping doesn’t always require a professional touch. Planting flowers, adding mulch, or setting up garden beds can make a noticeable impact without complex tools or skills.
Just be prepared for some physical labor, especially if you’re moving soil or stones.
Landscaping can be rewarding and gives you creative control over your outdoor space.
Read also: How much does vinyl siding cost in 2025?
Minor Demolition
While major demolition should always be left to professionals, smaller tasks—like removing cabinets, fixtures, or non-load-bearing walls—can often be done safely.
Just be sure you know what’s behind the wall, and avoid removing anything structural or near plumbing or electrical systems.
With some basic safety precautions, minor demolition can be a manageable DIY job, saving labor costs.
Read also: The average cost of kitchen renovation in Rhode Island.
When to Hire a Pro: Complex and High-Risk Projects
Certain renovation tasks are best left to licensed professionals due to the specialized skills, permits, and potential safety risks involved. Here’s a rundown of projects that generally require a pro.
Electrical Work
Anything beyond basic fixture installation—like rewiring circuits, adding outlets, or installing a new breaker—needs an experienced electrician. Electrical work has high risks, including the chance of fire, and most areas require licensed pros to handle it.
Why hire a pro? Safety is paramount, and licensed electricians have the training to meet code requirements, ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable.
Plumbing Modifications
Simple tasks, such as replacing a faucet, might be doable on your own. However, if your renovation involves moving plumbing lines, installing new pipes, or working with gas lines, you’ll need a licensed plumber.
Mistakes in plumbing can lead to water damage, mold, or even structural damage.
Why hire a pro? Plumbing is complex, and an error can lead to costly repairs. Professional plumbers understand how to work with your home’s water and sewage systems.
Read also: How can you make a small bathroom look larger?
Structural Changes
You need an expert to change anything that involves load-bearing walls, support beams, or foundation modifications. Missteps in structural work can impact your home’s stability, and improper changes can lead to serious safety issues.
Why hire a pro? Licensed contractors can assess the structural needs of your renovation and ensure it’s done safely and according to code.
Roofing
While some might be tempted to tackle roof repairs to save costs, this job is typically best left to professionals. Roofing work is risky due to heights and requires specific skills and equipment to prevent leaks or damage to the home.
Why hire a pro? Roofers are trained in both the safety and techniques needed for durable and weather-resistant roofs.
Installing New Windows and Doors
Swapping out windows and doors might seem easy, but improper installation can lead to drafts, water leaks, and energy loss. Many areas also require permits for window and door installatioThe average cost of kitchen renovation in Rhode Islandns, which professionals are better equipped to handle.
Professional installers ensure a secure, weather-tight fit that enhances your home’s insulation and aesthetic appeal.
Read also: How to choose the right contractor for your home renovation?
Balancing DIY and Professional Help: Hybrid Projects
Some projects are best approached as a hybrid, where you take on parts yourself and leave more technical aspects to the pros.
Tiling
Tiling backsplashes or floors can be done as a DIY project if you’re comfortable with detailed work and precise measurements.
However, if the space is large or irregularly shaped, or if you’re installing complex tile patterns, a professional tiler can ensure everything is laid perfectly.
Cabinet Installation
While many people attempt to install their cabinets themselves, they often don’t realize how exact the measurements must be.
If you’re handy and have the right tools, you might manage smaller installations, but a professional can save time and prevent misalignments in larger jobs.
Flooring Installation
Confident DIYers can install laminate or vinyl flooring, but hardwood and tile require precision and specialized tools.
Incorrectly installed floors can lead to buckling (wood floorboards), gaps, or uneven surfaces, so consider hiring a pro if you’re dealing with a large or complex area.
Read also: A step-by-step guide to planning your home renovation.
Making the Right Decision for Your Project
When deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have the necessary skills and tools? Certain projects may look simple but actually require expertise and special equipment.
- Are there safety concerns? Professionals should always handle high-risk projects like electrical, structural, or gas-related work.
- Will a mistake be costly? If errors result in significant repair costs, hiring a pro is probably worth it.
- Do you need permits or inspections? You need to hire licensed professionals to complete those tasks that require permits and inspections. Hiring professionals will also ensure that every work is up to the building code.
- What’s your timeline? Pros can often complete work faster than DIYers, especially on larger projects.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between DIY and hiring a professional can significantly impact the renovation experience. DIY is a satisfying and cost-effective approach for many projects, but bringing a professional is important when a project involves security concerns, vulnerability, and changes of big risk.
By assessing each project carefully and considering the factors above, you can set yourself up for a successful renovation .
The best approach for a home renovation project depends on each individual situation; there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, with careful planning, you can decide when to do things yourself and when to hire professionals to get the best results.
