If you’re a homeowner, at some point, you will have to make a choice between DIY and hiring a professional handyman for your home improvement or repair projects. The decision will depend on a number of factors, including the scope and complexity of the project, your skill level and availability, and your budget.

DIY projects can be a great way to save money on labor costs and gain a sense of accomplishment. However, they can also be time-consuming and may require specialized tools that you might not have at your disposal. Additionally, DIY projects can be more difficult to complete than expected, especially if you’re new to the task. Depending on the severity of the problem, some tasks may even be dangerous to try yourself.

Hiring a handyman can be expensive, but it offers the advantage of having a qualified expert take care of your work and ensure that all repairs are up to industry standards. Hiring a professional with the necessary skills and experience can be especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule or have limited free time.

Joshua Parrish is a licensed general contractor and construction business owner with more than a decade of experience in home renovations, property flips and new construction. He’s also the co-owner of the Hammer and Handsaw blog, which features home improvement tips, DIY projects and property flip stories.

One of the biggest challenges when deciding whether to tackle a project yourself or hire a professional is determining what your skill level and comfort levels are. While many small and straightforward home improvement projects can be completed by anyone with basic tools and knowledge, more involved repairs and improvements require specialized expertise to avoid costly mistakes that could endanger your health and safety.

For example, a bouncy floor might seem like an easy fix, but it could be hiding an underlying issue that requires more advanced diagnostics and professional tools. Hiring a professional, like the skilled and experienced team at Lucas Renovation, is always a wise option for any type of home repair or remodeling project.

Before starting any home improvement or maintenance project, ask yourself what the worst-case scenario would be if you did it incorrectly. If the answer is something that could damage your home or harm you or others, it’s a good sign that you should call in a professional.