Poll: What's The Limit of Your DIY-ness?

By bruno

Here's a question: how much does it take before you give up and call a pro?

Tagged:
poll diy professional

Did you like this article?

January 22, 2007

8 comments | 379 views |

bruno's blog (103 posts)

Featured Writer
Subscribe to this blog
Member since: 10/28/06
About: Hi! My name is Bruno and I'm the founder of Curbly.com. I started this site...

More by bruno

Comments

» All comments

Nimue

January 30, 2007

We do all those so I didn't vote. We're too stubborn & broke to give up, lol. Only time we ever used a professional was because of the time it saved (installation of custom fit windows). One time I did call a 'handyman' for a quote to tear down an 8x8' wall & replace it because we're unsure if it's load bearing or not. He quoted $800!

sparkie

January 24, 2007

P.S. Based on comments I hear from DIY'ers, the least performed DIY-style is electrical.

sparkie

January 24, 2007

I have to say I do them all, tho sometimes it ain't purty. I will be calling pros for drilling new well and will need some help w/ roofing this roof cause 12/12 pitch (that's steep), many dormers & valleys.

Keter

January 23, 2007

I didn't vote because I do everything. My limit is strength, and tool use can only make up for some of that. I have to hire laborers or recruit volunteers for projects of any type that take a lot of muscle power.

binary_pattern

January 23, 2007

i didn't bother with the poll because i thought it was too simplified. i'd attempt easy things in each of those areas, where my notion of easy extends about as far as: 1) clearing a clogged drain with a plumber's snake, 2) installing electrical fixtures and new outlets and switches, and 3) carpentry that is strictly functional (i.e.: jerry-rigging), but not highly visible.

when i put in skylights (sola-tubes) recently, i paid extra for them to be installed even though the installation kit was offered alone. i'm not as hard-core as i'd like.

AndreaR

January 23, 2007

I picked electrical too. That stuff smarts if you get it wrong. :) I'll put in a plug socket or light fixture, maybe even rewire a wall (or help) but anything that goes near the Big Grey Box makes me call for help.

Plumbing and construction I'm up for. Bring on the power tools and torches.

jasimar

January 23, 2007

Basic electrical, I'm down for. Replacing fixtures, from ceiling fans to electrical outlets. But installing boxes and new things? No thanks.

Plumbing is a little scary, too, come to think of it. PVC is okay with me, but torches and such gets really iffy.

Manzabar

January 22, 2007

The poll applet isn't working for me, so I'll just answer here in the comments. I've done a little of all 3 (plumbing, electrical & carpentry) but the one I plan on calling a professional for in the future is definitely plumbing. *blech* I hate plumbing.