--- title: "10 Times Doing It Yourself Doesn’t Save You Money" description: "The do-it-yourself ethos is one we heartily applaud. Most services provided by home maintenance pros aren't cheap, so taking care of small fixes on your own can save you big bucks. But sometimes the DIY route can wind up costing you more in the end. Here are 10 cases when you should put down your tool kit—and pick up the phone." date: "2016-08-23" modified: "2021-09-07" authors: - name: "Debra Immergut" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debra-immergut/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-times-doing-it-yourself-doesn-t-save-you-money-50387/" categories: - "DIY" - "Repair & Maintenance" tags: - "maintenance" - "pro" - "repair" --- # 10 Times Doing It Yourself Doesn’t Save You Money ![]() ### Replacing Windows and Exterior Doors ![]() *istockphoto.com* Poorly installed doors and windows cause [air leaks]() and end up costing you a lot of green on your heating bills. If you're not sure what you're doing, hire a pro who can get it right the first time. You'll rest easier knowing that your house is sealed up tight and you're not letting money trickle out through the cracks. ### Making It Concrete ![]() *istockphoto.com* Cracked, uneven concrete walkways and steps aren’t just unsightly, they can be treacherous too. And if someone trips and falls on your property, that DIY concrete may come with an expensive lawsuit. Paving jobs and [driveway repairs]() can be tricky, so let the guys with the heavy equipment take care of them. ### Plumbing the Depths ![]() *istockphoto.com* There’s a reason plumbers charge top dollar. Plumbing is skilled work that needs to be done right the first time to avoid expensive leaks later. Go ahead and replace your sink's faucet handle or fix the [toilet flapper](), but hire a reputable pro for more complicated repairs. ### Tearing Down a Wall ![]() *istockphoto.com* Demo work may look fun when you're watching home makeover shows, but don’t start swinging that sledgehammer just yet. In real life, there’s wiring, gas lines, and pipes behind that drywall—and one wrong move can turn an easy job into a pricey, protracted one. Even if you're sure you're not dealing with a [load-bearing wall](), call a contractor to check it out and leave the demolition work to the pros. ### Taking Down a Tree ![]() *istockphoto.com* Don’t commit a chainsaw massacre. Unless we’re talking about a sapling, taking down a [tree]() is dangerous work that requires special equipment and lots of experience. It's always better to pay a landscaper than to pay a hospital bill. ### Repairing the Roof ![]() *istockphoto.com* Don’t clamber up to the top of your house and start swinging a nail gun around if you don't know what you're doing. Professional roofers have [safety equipment]() and training that you probably don’t have—and they'll do the job properly so your new roof will last for decades. ### Hanging Drywall ![]() *istockphoto.com* Yes, you can do it yourself—but keep in mind that drywall installed by unskilled hands often ends up with [bumps, cracks, and visible tape lines](). Ceilings are even tougher to manage without specialized tools and a competent assistant. Spring for quality work now, and you'll cash in when you sell. ### Adding a Gas Range ![]() *istockphoto.com* It’s a no-brainer: Blowing up your house (or yourself) is no way to [save money](). But evidently it has to be said, because there are always some overly ambitious homeowners who end up calling in the gas company or fire department when their DIY goes awry. Stay on the safe side, and never take on DIY jobs that involve gas lines. ### Refinishing a Bathtub ![]() *bathrenovationhq.com* Seriously messy, unbearably stinky work in a [cramped space]()? Leave it to the pros who get paid to do it. Also, a DIY coating is much more likely to chip—and then you’ll have to spend extra cash hiring a pro for a do-over. ### Working with Wiring ![]() *istockphoto.com* Obviously, you don't want to play with fire—and improper wiring can lead to just that. An amateur with some basic knowledge can [replace a light fixture]() or add a dimmer switch, but leave the bigger jobs to an electrician. ### Time To Ask for Help ![]() *bobvila.com* Sometimes it's worth it to call the pros. ## Author Formerly the Editor in Chief of [Parents.com](), Debra Immergut writes about homes and design for [The Wall Street Journal](), [The Boston Globe](), and other leading publications. Ms. Immergut holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan as well as Master's of Fine Arts degree from the Iowa's Writer's Workshop at the University of Iowa. Her first novel, [Captives](), was published in 2018 by Harper Collins. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [LinkedIn]()