The tool
DIY or hire? Get the honest answer
Pick a job below. You'll get a verdict, a cost comparison (DIY vs pro), permit rules, risk level, and the reasoning behind the call — not a vague “it depends.”
We don't make money based on which answer you get. There's no sponsored product at the end. If we say “hire a pro,” we'll tell you what fair pricing looks like. If we say “DIY,” we'll tell you exactly what you're signing up for.
Pick a job
DIY $140–$400 · Pro $300–$600
DIY $85–$265 · Pro $230–$500
DIY $65–$250 · Pro $200–$600
DIY $400–$900 · Pro $700–$1,400
DIY $550–$1,100 · Pro $1,350–$2,400
DIY $200–$400 · Pro $400–$700
DIY $80–$300 · Pro $200–$500
DIY $5–$50 · Pro $150–$450
DIY $15–$40 · Pro $150–$300
DIY $0–$0 · Pro $1,500–$4,500
How we decide
For each job we weigh: safety risk (what happens if you get it wrong), permit requirements (does your jurisdiction require one), skill threshold (what's realistic for someone without the trade), honest cost delta (how much DIY actually saves), and time budget (what an average person needs).
For higher-risk jobs — electrical, gas, structural, water under pressure — we're deliberately conservative. Saving $300 on a water heater swap doesn't matter if an unpermitted install voids your homeowners insurance or a gas leak sends you to the hospital. Read our full methodology.
The Home Repair Cost Calendar
One task list for every month of the year — with real 2026 cost ranges for each. Free PDF, no email required. Or subscribe for seasonal reminders when the next month's tasks come due.
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