Should I hire a handyman or DIY?

The Handyman vs DIY Decision Framework

Every homeowner faces this question: should I fix it myself or call someone? The answer isn’t as simple as comparing costs—it depends on the project, your skills, and what your time is worth.

The Hidden Costs of DIY

When you see a $200 handyman quote, your first thought might be “I can do that myself and save $200.” But here’s what DIY really costs:

Time Investment:

• Researching how to do it: 30-60 minutes
• Gathering materials: 30-60 minutes (plus driving)
• The actual work: 2-4x what a pro takes
• Fixing mistakes: Often doubles your time

Material Costs:

• Basic materials: Same as pro would charge
• Buying tools you’ll use once: $20-100+
• Wrong materials (because you bought the wrong thing): $20-50+
• Extra materials (because you made mistakes): $10-30+

Risk Costs:

• Making the problem worse: Potentially hundreds more
• Injury risk: Medical bills and lost work time
• Code violations: Fines or issues when selling

What Determines DIY Success

Project Complexity:

• Simple: Hanging pictures, tightening fixtures, replacing outlets covers, caulking. Almost anyone can do these.
• Moderate: Patching drywall, installing ceiling fans, fixing running toilets, painting. Learnable with some patience.
• Complex: Plumbing connections, electrical work, tile installation, structural repairs. Require real skill and proper tools.

Your Skill Level:

• Beginner: Stick to simple projects. Build skills gradually.
• Intermediate: Moderate projects are your sweet spot. Learn one new thing per project.
• Advanced: You probably know when you need help—respect that judgment.

Time Available:

• Weekend warrior with time to spare? DIY works.
• Working 60-hour weeks with no free time? Hire it out.

The Real Math: A Case Study

Project: Install a new ceiling fan

DIY Approach:

• Ceiling fan: $150
• New mounting bracket (yours is old): $25
• Trips to hardware store: 2 hours
• YouTube learning: 1 hour
• Installation: 3 hours
• Your time value: $40/hour × 6 hours = $240
• Total real cost: $415

Handyman Approach:

• Ceiling fan: $150
• Installation: $100
• Your time: 10 minutes to be there
• Total cost: $250

In this case, the handyman saves $165 and your entire Saturday.

When to Always Hire a Professional

Some jobs are non-negotiable—hire a licensed professional:

Safety-Critical Work:

• Electrical panel or major wiring
• Gas line anything
• Structural modifications
• Water heater installation/repair
• Roof repairs

Permit-Required Work:

• Adding circuits
• Plumbing rough-in
• HVAC installation
• Window/door replacement (some areas)

High-Stakes Situations:

• Work that affects home sale value
• Jobs where failure = water damage
• Anything over your head (literally—ladder safety matters)

When DIY Makes Sense

Perfect DIY Projects:

• Painting rooms
• Installing shelving
• Replacing door hardware
• Fixing running toilets
• Patching small drywall holes
• Caulking around tubs
• Replacing light switches/outlets
• Assembling furniture

These projects have:

• Low risk of major damage
• Forgiving of mistakes
• Easy-to-find tutorials
• Minimal specialized tools

Building DIY Skills Over Time

If you want to become more handy:

1. Start small: Replace a doorknob before rewiring a room
2. Watch multiple tutorials: Different perspectives help
3. Buy quality tools gradually: One good tool per project
4. Accept imperfection: Your first attempts won’t be pro-quality
5. Know your limits: It’s okay to call for backup

Finding the Right Handyman

When you do hire:

• Get referrals: Ask neighbors on Nextdoor or friends
• Check reviews: Look for consistent quality over years
• Verify insurance: Ask for certificate of liability
• Get written quotes: Especially for jobs over $200
• Start small: Test with a minor repair before major work
• Communicate clearly: Photos and written descriptions prevent misunderstandings

The Hybrid Approach

Smart homeowners often combine DIY and professional help:

• DIY the prep work: Demo, cleaning, painting prep
• Hire the skilled portion: Actual plumbing, electrical, tile
• DIY the finish: Touch-up painting, caulking, cleanup

This can save 30-50% while ensuring the critical work is done right.

Making Your Decision

Ask yourself:

1. Have I done this successfully before? If no, add 2x to your time estimate.
2. What’s the worst that could happen? Water damage? Electrical fire? Or just an ugly result?
3. Do I have the right tools? Buying a $100 tool for a $150 job doesn’t make sense.
4. Is this a learning opportunity I want? Some skills are worth acquiring.
5. What else could I do with this time? Work? Family? Rest?

There’s no shame in hiring help—it’s often the smarter financial decision. And there’s satisfaction in doing things yourself—when you have the skills to do them right.