Leaky faucets, clogged drains, and scuffed walls are par for the course when you’re a homeowner. Let’s face it; there is no doubt that as your home ages, repairs are going to happen. The question is, should you attempt to do it yourself or hire a professional? It’s a question that has plagued homeowners throughout the ages, and while there isn’t a one-answer-fits-all solution, there is some pertinent information that can shed light on the matter.

How can you determine if you should tackle a project yourself, or if you should hire a professional?

First, consider these rules of thumb:

• Does the job require permits? Usually, a project that requires a permit means that hiring a professional is the best choice.
• If a mistake were made on this particular home repair/remodel, would it only be a nuisance or could it have disastrous consequences?

If a potential mistake could have severe consequences, it is best to hire a professional. If it would merely be a nuisance or could easily be remedied, likely, it’s a job that you can do yourself (or learn to do yourself), but first, ask yourself these questions.

Do you have the skill or ability to learn the skill? Having skills doesn’t necessarily mean that you know everything about the project already, but do you know your way around tools and materials? Is the project something that is easy to learn? Do you have the means to teach yourself (or allow others to guide you)? Are you good at the particular skills needed for the project, such as math, attention to detail or physical labor? If you answer yes to these questions, then you likely have the skills that it takes or the ability to learn them.

Do you have the resources? Do you have the tools and materials needed for the project? Do you have funds to buy what you don’t already have? Will you need assistance, or can you do it alone? If you do need support, are there people you can count on to help you? Will you need to haul materials with a truck? Do you or someone you know have a truck that you can use? Taking the time to think about the resources you will need, and determining that you can access those resources is an essential part of determining if a repair or remodel is a good DIY fit.

Do you have the time? This is a question that not enough people think about thoroughly. You might have a family and a full-time job that takes up most of your time. When will you work on this project? How long will the project realistically take with the amount of time you have? Nothing is worse than sitting in dismantled or nonfunctional room for six months because you underestimated the time the repair or remodel would take. Sometimes, it’s worth hiring a team of professionals to cut the time in half.

Do you have the capability? Consider the physical demands of the project and any limitations you might have. Are you in good enough physical shape to complete the repair or project? The reality is, we are all getting older, and getting smack dab in the middle of a project is not the time to realize you can no longer leap tall buildings in single bound.

So, what are some repairs and remodeling projects that are well suited to DIY?

Painting and staining. Indoor, outdoor, walls, furniture, cabinets, you name it and chances are you can learn to paint it.

Patching walls. With a little mesh, spackle and a bit of sandpaper, your walls will look as good as new.

Tile work. With all of the pre-patterned, self-stick tiles, and ready-mixed grout, tiling doesn’t have to be as daunting as it once was.

Hardwood floor restoration. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can make your hardwood floors shine once again. If you have to replace rotting wood, however, you may need the help of a professional.

Simple leaks or clogged drains. You are just some simple tools and a trip to the hardware store away from keeping things dry and running smoothly.

Pathways and patios. Pouring small concrete pads, or walkways is something you can DIY if you know what your doing (or if you can learn). Additionally, paver or flagstone patios or walkways are easy to do, and YouTube is full of helpful learning resources.

Some projects that we strongly encourage you to hire a professional for are:

Structural work. Unless you are a carpenter that understands local coding laws and how to spot a load-bearing wall, new structures or any structural work should be done by professionals.

Electrical work. Due to the inherent risk of fire and shock with electrical work, you should always hire a professional when working with electricity. The only exception to this may be simple light fixtures, outlets, and light switches; but that’s only if you are experienced in electrical work and know what you’re doing.

Foundation work. The foundation holds your entire house, and any work on it should always be left to the professionals.

Major concrete projects like driveways. Yes, you can pour small cement projects with relative ease, and yes, you can patch minor damage to a driveway. That being said, major concrete work such as pouring a driveway require adequately finished surfaces that are leveled and graded to ensure it won’t crack or crumble, and so professional help is recommended.

Anything involving gas lines. Natural gas, when mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source, is combustible. For that reason, anything involving natural gas or gas lines is best left to the professionals who know how to handle it safely.

Plumbing. We’re not talking about unclogging a drain or fixing a leaky faucet; those things you can do yourself. However, any major plumbing should always be done by a professional, especially if it involves the sewage system or any significant pipes.

Additionally, you should hire a pro if the project may mean handling mold, asbestos or lead.

In conclusion, while you can save money doing it yourself, and making repairs and remodeling is likely to be an enriching experience, always make sure that safety comes first, and that you’re not biting off more than you can chew.