The 2025 Improving America’s Housing report by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that a typical DIY home project in 2023 cost $2,600, compared to
$7,800 when hiring a professional.
Taking on DIY home projects can help you save money and give you greater control over the finished result as home renovation costs continue to rise. But DIY home improvement isn’t always the cheaper or safer option.
Projects, like recaulking your bathtub, painting interior walls, or light landscaping typically aren’t home repairs that require a professional. Taking on the wrong project yourself, however, can lead to expensive issues over time or even create an unsafe living situation.
When to DIY Home Repair Projects
The best DIY home projects depend on your comfort level, experience, and skills with home repairs and renovations. As a general rule, stick to projects that don’t deeply impact critical home systems.
Cosmetic updates and projects that don’t involve handling hazardous materials or major electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural systems can be strong candidates for DIY home improvement.
Examples of home repairs you can DIY:
- Painting
- Caulking or weatherstripping
- Minor drywall repair
- Basic landscaping
- Simple leak repairs
- Updating bathroom fixtures
- Replacing cabinet hardware
- Adding a kitchen tile backsplash
- Installing baseboards or trim
What you’re looking for are low-risk, contained, aesthetic- or maintenance-related projects that are forgiving — in affordability and simplicity — in the event of a mistake. It’s also smart to consider whether your project requires specialized tools beyond what you already have in a basic toolkit.
5 Signs You Should Call a Professional
There are plenty of DIY home projects you can safely tackle, but some situations are clear
signs that it’s time to hire a contractor or skilled professional.
1. It’s an electrical project.
If your DIY upgrade involves more than replacing a decorative light switch plate, it may be time to call a professional.
Electrical projects that require new circuits, substantial rewiring, electrical panels, or troubleshooting sparks, burning smells, or other unexplained electrical issues can be complex and dangerous.
According to the National Fire Protection Association’s 2026 Home Electrical Fires report, home electrical fires caused 1,583 civilian injuries and 594 civilian deaths in 2024.
If the work is done incorrectly, it could present a fire hazard and shock risk that puts everyone in the home at risk.
2. You’re dealing with a serious water issue.
A slow leak from the P-trap underneath your bathroom vanity may be a simple repair. But if you’ve noticed an unexplained surge in your water bill or notice other moisture or water damage to the property, you might be facing a larger problem.
Projects involving a burst or deteriorating pipe, sewer problems, hidden leaks, or recurring water intrusion after heavy rainfall, warrant a deeper investigation by a professional.
Another red flag is when diagnosing or repairing the issue requires you to open a floor, wall, or ceiling to understand the full scope of the damage.
3. The project could impact your home’s structure.
The structure of your home is made of many parts that work together to support the integrity of your house, from the foundation and load-bearing walls to structural beams and your roof’s framing.
What may look like a harmless cosmetic crack near the base of your home might not actually be a simple cosmetic issue. Any project that involves altering, modifying, or repairing the structure of your home is worth getting an expert assessment.
Other warning signs can include noticeable sagging underfoot, damaged framing, or structural problems that have developed over time.
For Los Angeles homeowners, consulting a pro is especially critical due to the significant earthquake risk in the area.
4. It involves hazardous materials.
Any project that disturbs hazardous materials, like lead or asbestos, requires careful attention to safety requirements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that
34.6 million pre-1978 homes in the U.S. still contain lead-based paint, making hazardous materials a potential concern in many older homes.
Avoid DIY home projects involving these materials unless you fully understand their safety requirements, or for peace of mind, hire a professional who’s certified in their handling, abatement, and disposal.
5. You haven’t found the source of the issue.
Sometimes, you know something is wrong, but can’t identify the underlying issue. A ceiling stain might’ve appeared overnight, your breaker might repeatedly trip, or you may notice a persistent musty smell throughout your home.
If you don’t know what you’re fixing, now isn’t the time to experiment. Have the problem diagnosed by a professional first, then decide whether the actual repair is something you feel comfortable tackling yourself.
TIP: When hiring a professional for your home project, get written estimates, clarify in writing who’s responsible for securing permits, and verify that their license is active. Check the Contractors State License Board’s license status tool before hiring them.
DIY or Hire a Pro? How to Decide
| If your project… | Consider…. |
| Is mainly cosmetic | DIY |
| Could cause water, fire, or structural damage if done improperly | Hiring a professional |
| Requires permits, or involves major work to electrical, plumbing, structural, drainage, or other home systems | Hiring a professional |
| Presents a low risk to your safety or property | DIY |
| Could involve handling or disturbing hazardous materials |
|
| Doesn’t have a clear underlying cause | Hiring a professional |
Home Improvement Tips and Resources for Los Angeles Homeowners
Before starting a home improvement or repair project in Los Angeles, take time to understand the scope of the work, local requirements, and available resources.
- Check with your local building department before starting work. City of Los Angeles homeowners can request permits, inspections, and property records through the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety. Homeowners in unincorporated Los Angeles County, visit the LA County Public Works Build and Safety website for permit information.
- Brush up on lead-safe best The EPA’s guide on lead-safe renovations for DIYers provides tips to identify lead paint, safely setting up your workspace, and minimizing lead contamination in your home during DIY home projects.
- Apply for home repair assistance programs. If you’re unable to tackle your home project, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ Home Preservation Program may be able to help. The program provides eligible low-income homeowners with assistance for qualifying home repairs, like accessibility and security upgrades, safety repairs, and more.