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DIY vs. Hire a Pro: Home Repair Decision Guide

Know which repairs you can tackle yourself and which require a licensed contractor.

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Showing 31 repairs

DIY-Friendly

DIY With Caution

Hire a Pro

Permit required

Replace outlet or switch

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$5–$25

Pro:$75–$150

Replace light fixture

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$20–$50

Pro:$100–$200

Install GFCI outlet

DIY With Caution

DIY:$15–$25

Pro:$100–$150

Replace circuit breaker

Hire a Pro

Pro:$150–$300

Add new circuit / panel wiring

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$200–$800

Whole panel replacement

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$1,500–$4,000

Fix dripping faucet

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$10–$30

Pro:$100–$150

Replace toilet

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$50–$150

Pro:$200–$400

Replace faucet

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$40–$150

Pro:$150–$300

Unclog drain (DIY methods)

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$0–$20

Pro:$100–$250

Replace water heater

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$800–$2,000 installed

Replace main water line

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$1,500–$5,000+

Replace air filter

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$15–$40

Pro:$75–$100 (service call)

Clean dryer vent

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$15 (brush kit)

Pro:$100–$150

Replace thermostat (non-smart)

DIY With Caution

DIY:$20–$60

Pro:$100–$200

Replace smart thermostat

DIY With Caution

DIY:$100–$250

Pro:$150–$300

Full HVAC system replacement

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$4,000–$12,000+

Patch small drywall hole (under 6 inch)

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$10–$30

Pro:$150–$300

Replace interior door

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$80–$300

Pro:$250–$500

Replace interior door hardware

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$20–$80

Pro:$75–$150

Paint interior room

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$100–$300

Pro:$500–$1,500

Install ceiling fan

DIY With Caution

DIY:$50–$200

Pro:$150–$350

Replace exterior door

DIY With Caution

DIY:$200–$600

Pro:$500–$1,200

Caulk windows and doors

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$15–$40

Pro:$150–$400

Replace wood rot (minor siding)

DIY With Caution

DIY:$50–$150

Pro:$300–$800

Add deck (attached)

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$5,000–$15,000+

Bedroom addition / room addition

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$80–$200 / sqft

Replace a few shingles (minor repair)

DIY With Caution

DIY:$30–$100

Pro:$200–$600

Full roof replacement

Hire a ProPermit

Pro:$8,000–$25,000+

Clean gutters

DIY-Friendly

DIY:$0–$20 + ladder

Pro:$100–$250

Install gutter guards

DIY With Caution

DIY:$50–$200

Pro:$200–$600

Disclaimer: Permit requirements vary by city and state. Always verify with your local building department before starting work. Cost estimates are national averages and may vary significantly by region.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro: Home Repair Decision Guide

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