Some jobs make sense to DIY. Others will cost you more in time, frustration, and fixing mistakes. Here's how to decide.
The Real Cost of DIY
People assume DIY is always cheaper. But calculate honestly:
Your costs:
- Tools (if you don't have them)
- Materials (pros often get trade prices)
- Your time (what's it worth?)
- Trip to buy more materials (inevitable)
- Fixing mistakes (be honest)
Example: Fitting a shelf
| DIY | Professional |
|---|---|
| Drill: £50 (if you don't have one) | Labour: £40-£60 |
| Spirit level: £10 | Fixings: usually included |
| Fixings: £5 | Total: £40-£60 |
| Brackets: £10 | Time: 20-30 mins |
| Time: 1-2 hours (first time) | |
| Total: £75 + your time |
DIY only saves money if you already have the tools and skills.
When DIY Makes Sense
You Have the Skills
If you've done it before successfully, DIY makes sense. Key word: successfully.
Good DIY candidates:
- Basic painting
- Simple repairs (tightening screws, oiling hinges)
- Garden maintenance
- Changing tap washers
- Bleeding radiators
- Basic flat pack assembly
It's Simple Enough to Learn
Some tasks are learnable from a YouTube video:
- Filling small holes
- Fitting door handles
- Basic silicone application
- Changing toilet seats
- Simple maintenance tasks
You Actually Enjoy It
Some people find DIY satisfying. If you'll enjoy the process, the time isn't "cost."
Time Isn't Critical
DIY takes longer. If the job can wait while you learn and do it slowly, that's fine.
When Hiring Makes Sense
Your Time is Valuable
The calculation: If you earn £25/hour and a job takes you 4 hours (but a handyman 1 hour), you're "paying" £100 in time to avoid a £60 fee.
Plus: stress, frustration, and what you could have done instead.
You'd Need to Buy Tools
Hiring is almost always cheaper than buying tools for a one-off job.
Example tools you shouldn't buy for one job:
- SDS drill (for masonry): £100-£200
- Mitre saw: £100-£300
- Scaffolding: rental or hiring someone is smarter
- Specialist plumbing/electrical tools
It Needs to Be Right
Some jobs have consequences when done badly:
- TV brackets (TV falls off wall)
- Shelves (shelves fall off wall)
- Plumbing (water damage)
- Electrical (fire risk)
If getting it wrong is expensive or dangerous, paying for expertise is insurance.
It's Bigger Than It Looks
Jobs that are deceptively complex:
- Hanging doors (looks simple, needs precision)
- Fitting kitchens (everything has to line up)
- Tiling (preparation is 80% of the job)
- Anything involving building regs
You've Already Tried
If you're Googling "how to fix [thing I tried to DIY]", it's time to call someone.
The Hidden Costs of DIY
Multiple Trips
You'll go to B&Q at least twice. Everyone does. Budget time and petrol.
Buying the Wrong Thing
Easy to do. Returning is annoying.
The Job Expanding
"While I'm here..." becomes 3 hours not 30 minutes.
Fixing Mistakes
Stripping a screw, cracking a tile, drilling into a pipe. It happens.
Living With "Good Enough"
DIY that's slightly wrong but you can't face redoing it. You'll see it every day.
Jobs Worth Paying For
Based on my experience, these almost always make sense to hire:
TV mounting
- Weight + height + cable management = expertise helps
- Getting it wrong means a broken TV
Flat pack wardrobes and beds
- Takes professionals 1-2 hours, DIYers 4-8 hours
- PAX wardrobes especially frustrating
Multiple small jobs
- A handyman does your list in one visit
- You'd spend a weekend
Anything high up
- Ladders are dangerous
- Scaffolding rental + your time = just hire someone
Second fix stuff (doors, trims, etc.)
- Precision work that looks obvious when wrong
Jobs Worth DIYing
If you have basic competence:
Painting walls
- Time-consuming but straightforward
- Your time, your breaks, your music
Basic garden work
- Mowing, weeding, basic pruning
- Satisfying and good exercise
Simple flat pack
- Small items (Billy bookcase, basic desks)
- Clear instructions, limited risk
Basic maintenance
- Bleeding radiators
- Clearing gutters (if safely accessible)
- Oiling hinges
- Tightening loose screws
Repairs you've done before
- Your second shelf will be faster than your first
The Middle Ground: Learn Then Decide
Option 1: Pay once, watch, do it yourself next time Have a professional do it while you watch and learn. Next time you're equipped.
Option 2: Try it, call if stuck Give it a go. If it's going wrong, stop and call someone. Better than finishing badly.
Option 3: DIY the prep, hire for the skill You do the clearing, cleaning, prep work. Pro does the technical bit. Saves money.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Have I done this before? Successfully?
- Do I have the tools? Or would I need to buy them?
- What happens if I get it wrong? Cosmetic issue or serious problem?
- How much is my weekend worth? What else could I do?
- Am I being realistic? Or optimistic about my skills?
My Honest Take
As a handyman, you'd expect me to say "hire someone." But honestly:
- Simple stuff: DIY if you enjoy it
- Complex stuff: Get help
- Safety-critical: Always get help
- Your time is worth something
The best DIYers know when to stop. There's no shame in calling someone - it's what we're here for.
Need a hand? For jobs that make sense to hire, call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.