Here’s why I included the “hire a pro” option… Most people, like yourself, make the assumption that a pro is going to be much, much more expensive than doing it yourself. Also, many “do-it-yourself” guys and gals (myself included) sometimes get so caught up in “doing it” themselves that they forget that a pro could actually be a much better, and ultimately cheaper option….

Take, for instance, gutters. I had four professionals give me quotes on seamless aluminum gutters for my house about a year ago. The estimates all ranged from $400 – $600 and the job would be completed in about 4 to 5 hours.

I haven’t written this up yet, but I actually chose to skip the aluminum gutters and I chose to install my own vinyl gutters. In the end I spent about $350 on materials (including a few pieces I broke or screwed up). That’s pretty good savings, but that doesn’t factor in the 12+ hours I spent doing it (made a few mistakes, had to figure out how to do a few things and I didn’t have any help). I didn’t need any specialized tools, but on many jobs and projects you often do need to buy new tools (that’s often part of the fun!)

Let’s say I have a job where I can work an extra day and make $20/hour. For those 12 hours I spent mucking around on a roof and ladder in the hot sun I could have worked my job and made about $240.

$240 + $350 = $590. Which is just about the same thing it would have cost me if I hired a pro in the first place :-)

I also have to remind myself that I’m not a pro at everything and sometimes it’s quicker, easier, and even cheaper to have someone else do it. I wanted to present all the options. Often, deciding to do home improvement project yourself is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire project.

I don’t like “one size fits all” solutions because in the real world there are no definite answers. Some people might find that doing their own gutters is a snap and totally worth the time spent. Some people might read this article and figure that it’s easier (and safer) to have someone else replace their gutters. Me? I just want to present the options…