Free tool
DIY or hire calculator
Compare a pro's quote with the real cost of doing it yourself: materials, any tools you'd buy, a buffer for mistakes, and your time. Only for jobs that are safe for you to do. Nothing is stored.
Doing it yourself saves
$151
- DIY total
- $152
- Pro total
- $303
- Savings per hour
- $60
- Your hour is worth
- $25
DIY pays better than your time is worth to you, if the job is safe for you.
Never DIY gas, electrical panels, structural work or roofs to save money. See job by job.
Things the numbers can't tell you
- Warranty: a pro's work usually comes with one; yours doesn't.
- Permits: some jobs need one, and some places require a licensed trade.
- Learning: tools and skills you gain make the next job cheaper.
- Risk: if a mistake could cause water damage or worse, weigh that heavily.