Questions tagged [diy-vs-pro]

for questions about whether a job can be undertaken by a competent DIYer or whether it's one to be left to the professionals. Please do not use this tag unless the question is asking specifically about whether or not a DIYer can do a job.

There are some jobs that have to be left to the professionals. This might be because they have access to the specialist equipment, the years of experience or certification needed to undertake the job and complete it successfully.

There are also some jobs that can be done by the DIYer but if you're only starting out on the path of Do-It-Yourself it might be best to leave for the pros.

If you are unsure ask the question. Tell us your skill levels and budget. We can then advise - however the final decision is yours.

99 questions
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20 answers

What projects should never be DIY?

What are the most common DIY projects that you should not do yourself? What must be hired out? Edit: Just to be clear, what we're looking for here are the things that a regular homeowner might think they can do, but should not. Things that look…
Jay Bazuzi
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How is DIY done so much on 'fixer uppers' in areas where AHJs demand permits and licenses?

I see a lot of cases of major 'fixer upper' homes or general home improvement done in an area where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires permits and only offers them to licensed pros. How is this the case? I ask because I wonder if I'm…
cr0
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5 answers

Precision in Home Improvement, or: How to Trust a Laser Level?

Even though I enjoy DIY, I also suffer from a certain amount of anxiety about it, especially when tolerances have to be tight. If the Internet's advice is that a certain thing needs to be square, or level, or plumb, I am never confident that I have…
GogTheGuilder
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6 answers

How can I insulate my attic on a tight budget?

My attic is running 135Fahrenheit (55 Celsius) and more right now. And that's before it even gets to the hottest part of the day! The A/C guy said the A/C's are working perfectly. But he tested the ceiling, and it is a completely different…
LuxeGypsie
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1 answer

Should I install my own electrical service panel or hire an electrician?

I'm getting electrical service to bare land. This is not temporary service but permanent remote service to a pressure treated 6" x 6" post instead of a building. I already have covered the work to trench, lay conduit, and install the post. But I'm…
Jay Bazuzi
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9
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5 answers

Can I replace my ungrounded / two prong outlets, or should I have a professional do this type of a thing?

They're all two prong except a select few in the kitchen. Is this a project I could take on with NO electrical experience other than minor soldering, or is this something I should not attempt? Question two (should I make a new "Question"?): How…
Matt
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8
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1 answer

What is the best way to improve counter tops without completely replacing them?

I would like to re-do our counter tops in the kitchen. We currently have the laminate on particle board type. What is the best way to refinish this type of counter top to make it look higher quality, without replacing the whole counter…
Tyler
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6
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7 answers

Can multiple 2-way occupancy motion sensor switches be used together?

Can multiple 2-way occupancy (AKA motion) sensor switches be used together? For the top and bottom of a staircase, I want the lights to be on if either switch senses motion and the lights stay on until both switches time out after not sensing…
Todd
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6
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4 answers

Can I move the main breaker and the electrical meter?

I feel this is a no-brainer (in that I should probably get someone more qualified in to do this) but I thought I'd ask some opinions. I've just moved into a new place and one of the rooms is just big enough for me, my desk and my computer. It's my…
Spedge
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Does pre-installing whole home surface mount conduit have a substantial impact on cost of bringing pre-1960s electrical up to code?

I live in a century house that was converted into 3 apartments (basement, main floor, attic) in the 1960s or earlier in an area that has adopted NEC 2017. The basement was finished during that remodel, and got its own meter (that oddly also feeds…
newcoder
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7 answers

How can I temporarily disable a garden hose tap without an interior valve?

I have a water tap in the garden of the house. My little son keeps opening it regardless of how tight I close it. I would like to seal it off. I was hoping to find a metal cylinder shape element which I can screw on the tap water end. Any help…
KM23
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2 answers

Why use a screwdriver when we have drill/drivers now?

I'm wondering when should we choose a screwdriver. Can it be used to put screws in wood, concrete or metal without drilling a hole? If we need to drill a pilot hole anyway, why don't we just use drills to put the screws in?
toolfanp
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5
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7 answers

How to finish jagged edge of kitchen subway tile?

Did our own backsplash tiling in the kitchen, and didn't realize until we were finished that the cap/trim/edging goes UNDER the tile. Not on top. So now we've got an ugly looking edge to the tile (our cuts weren't very clean — we assumed we would…
SPS
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4 answers

How often do I need to regrade the ground around my house?

I'm a first time homeowner, and when we moved in we were told we'd need to regrade our house. I am deciding whether doing it myself or hiring someone is a better decision, and the following list summarizes my considerations. How often do I need to…
Frank Bryce
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How can I know if a self-designed structure I build will be structurally sound?

I've recently begun designing and building structural updates to my house. For example, I've built some shelving units and a cabinet space. Everything has gone well so far, but I'm about to tackle something more significant, a self-designed backyard…
Bob.
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