Morning, COLA. Kayla here, and I built a fence in quarantine. I wasn’t alone – research shows 57% of homeowners did a home improvement project between March and May, with two-thirds of those homeowners crediting “having more time.”

For us, it made more financial sense to buy the materials + complete the job ourselves rather than hiring a pro, but this isn’t the case for every project. To DIY or not to DIY? That is the question.

To help you find the answer, here’s a breakdown of which projects you can likely tackle yourself + which ones you’ll want to call in the big guns for.

Plumbing 💧

When to DIY: Looking to install a new toilet or sink? You can handle that. (Thanks, YouTube.)
When to call a pro: For more complex plumbing projects that require work to hidden and underground pipes, it’s probably best to contact a licensed plumber.

Electrical 💡

When to DIY: When it comes to installing new light fixtures or replacing a ceiling fan, you likely already have the tools to get the job done. Just be sure to turn off any electricity to the area where you’ll be working + follow any installation instructions.
When to call a pro: Working with electricity can be dangerous, so more complex electrical jobs are best left to a licensed electrician. If you have a job involving a gas line, you should also call in an expert.

What about landscaping, painting and flooring? Ⓟ