DIY vs contractor
DIY or hire a pro?
For each project we compare estimated DIY material cost against an estimated installed contractor price at regional labor rates, then lay out the trade-offs that money alone doesn't capture. Estimates only — never a quote.
Fence
Wood or vinyl privacy fence with gates.
Deck
Wood or composite deck with railings and stairs.
Shed
Gable-roof storage shed on a skid or concrete foundation.
Pergola
4-post pergola with rafters and optional slats.
Raised garden bed
Rectangular wood-framed planter with soil calculator.
Concrete slab
Poured concrete pad with forms, gravel base, and rebar.
Chicken coop
Small coop with attached predator-proof run.
Gate
Single or double swing gate with anti-sag hardware.
Roofing
Shingle or metal re-roof with tear-off, dry-in and disposal.
Drywall & paint
Hang, tape, finish and paint a room from bare studs.
Wall framing
Stud-by-stud wall takeoff with plates, headers and openings.
Concrete flatwork
Driveways, walks, aprons and steps with joints and finish.