What criteria should I use to decide whether to DIY or hire a contractor for a remodel?

Short answer

Choose DIY for projects that are cosmetic, low-risk, and within your skill, tools, time, and code/permit comfort level. Hire a contractor for structural changes, electrical/plumbing/gas work, waterproofing-critical areas (showers, roofs), exterior envelope (roof, siding, windows), projects requiring permits or licensed trades, work at height, or anything where a mistake is costly to fix.

Criteria to weigh before deciding

• Scope & complexity: Simple (painting, trim, backsplash) vs. complex (moving walls, re-wiring, shower rebuilds).
• Safety risk: Live power, gas lines, structural loads, ladders/roof work, silica/lead/asbestos exposure.
• Code, permits, inspections: If a permit or licensed trade is required in your area, that often points to a pro.
• Skills & experience: Honest self-assessment based on past projects and tolerance for learning on the job.
• Tools & workspace: Do you have or can you rent the right tools, and space for setup/dust control?
• Time & disruption: DIY often takes 2–4x longer; do you have that time and a backup plan during downtime?
• Quality expectations: Finish carpentry, tile, and drywall finishing show skill gaps quickly.
• Budget & risk: DIY can save 20–50% on labor but increases risk of rework. Consider cost of mistakes.

DIY/PRO scorecard (0–5 each; higher favors DIY)
1) Risk level (5=low)    2) Code/permit (5=none)
3) Your skills (5=strong) 4) Tools access (5=have)
5) Time available (5=ample) 6) Finish standards (5=flexible)

20–30: DIY or partial DIY
14–19: Consider hybrid (demo/painting DIY, trades for MEP/critical)
≤13: Hire a contractor

Step-by-step decision process

1. Define the scope clearly
   • Write a simple list of tasks (e.g., "remove vanity, install GFCI outlet, set new vanity, re-plumb P-trap, tile backsplash, paint").
   • Identify dependencies (electrical before drywall, waterproofing before tile).
2. Check permit/licensing
   • Call your building department or check their website. Examples: panel upgrades, new circuits, moving plumbing drains, and structural changes usually require permits and often licensed trades.
3. Assess hazards
   • Electrical: can you safely de-energize and test? Gas: do local codes require a licensed fitter? Older homes: potential lead paint (pre-1978), asbestos in flooring, popcorn ceilings, or mastics.
4. Match tasks to skills/tools
   • Break the job into DIY-friendly parts (demo, painting, trim caulking, flooring underlayment) vs. pro tasks (new circuits, shower pan construction, beam installation).
5. Budget and timeline
   • Get 2–3 contractor quotes for the whole job and for individual trade tasks. Compare to DIY material + tool costs + your time.
6. Decide on full DIY, hybrid, or pro
   • Hybrid is common: you handle demo, painting, final hardware; pros handle electrical/plumbing/waterproofing.

Typical tools and materials you may need

• General: tape measure, speed square, stud finder, laser level, utility knife, oscillating multi-tool, impact driver, drill/driver, shop/HEPA vac, drop cloths, painter’s tape.
• Carpentry: miter saw, finish nailer, construction adhesive, shims, wood filler, sanders.
• Tile/bath: wet saw, margin/Notch trowels, tile spacers, level, cement board, waterproofing membrane (sheet or liquid), thinset mortar (ANSI A118.4/15), grout, silicone.
• Electrical: non-contact voltage tester, multimeter, wire strippers, fish tape, GFCI/AFCI breakers or receptacles (as required), proper wire gauge (NM-B 12/2 for 20A circuits).
• Plumbing: pipe cutter, adjustable wrenches, PEX crimper/expander (if PEX), torch and solder (copper), trap kit, supply lines.
• Safety/PPE: P100 respirator for dust/silica, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, N95 minimum for general dust, fall protection for roof work.

Safety considerations

• Always de-energize circuits at the panel and verify with a tester. Lockout/tagout if others are home.
• Ladder safety: 4:1 angle rule; maintain 3 points of contact; never overreach.
• Dust control: use HEPA vacs; wet-cut tile or use shrouded tools. Silica exposure is serious.
• Lead/asbestos: test suspect materials. If positive, use certified abatement or follow legal containment/disposal.
• Water management: in showers, use a continuous waterproofing system (sheet membrane or properly applied liquid membrane; not just cement board).

Tips for best results

• Start with a small pilot project to test skills and timeline.
• Make mock-ups: tile layout on a scrap board; practice caulk and paint on samples.
• Order materials early; check lead times for custom doors, windows, and cabinets (2–10 weeks).
• Use checklists and photos to document wiring/plumbing before closing walls.
• Rent specialty tools instead of buying for one-off tasks (wet saws, floor sanders, hammer drills).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating prep and cleanup time.
• Skipping substrate prep: out-of-level floors, unflat walls (tile wants surfaces flat within 1/8 inch over 10 feet; tighter for large-format tile).
• Incorrect fasteners: exterior-rated screws outdoors, corrosion-resistant in wet areas.
• Mis-ordering sequence: installing finishes before inspections or rough-in approvals.
• Poor waterproofing transitions: corners, niches, and penetrations are leak points.

When to call a professional

• Structural: removing load-bearing walls, adding beams, major framing changes (requires engineering and permits).
• Electrical: service upgrades, panel work, new circuits in kitchens/baths, aluminum or knob-and-tube remediation.
• Plumbing: moving drains/vents, shower pans, gas lines, main shutoff or water heater replacement (code and safety).
• Building envelope/height: roofing, second-story exterior painting, window flashing, siding.
• Specialty finishes: large-format or stone slab installation, quartz/stone countertop templating and setting.

Rough cost and time expectations

• DIY labor savings: typically 20–50% of project cost. Expect to spend $200–$1,000 on tools for a mid-size project if you don’t already have them.
• Time: DIY often takes 2–4x longer than pro timelines. A pro might tile a 60 sq ft bath floor in a day; DIY may take a weekend plus grout day.
• Hidden costs: permits, inspection re-visits, rework materials if mistakes require tear-out.

Practical examples

• Good DIY: painting rooms; installing LVP flooring; swapping a vanity in same location; backsplash tile under 30 sq ft.
• Hybrid: you demo a tub/shower and install backer board; a pro applies waterproofing and sets tile in the wet area.
• Pro only: moving a kitchen island with new electrical circuits and gas; converting a tub to a curbless shower with re-sloped subfloor.

If you’re on the fence, get at least two pro quotes and price out a DIY tool/material list. Use the scorecard above, and consider a hybrid approach that protects safety-critical parts while letting you save on labor where risk is low.