If you own a home, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: “Do I try to fix this myself, or do I call in a professional?” On the surface, DIY repairs can save money and give you that satisfying “I did it!” feeling. But sometimes rolling up your sleeves can end up costing more in the long run—especially when home insurance comes into play.
Here’s how to know when it makes sense to DIY, when to bring in the pros, and how your insurance factors into both decisions.
There are plenty of situations where DIY makes sense. Swapping out a leaky faucet, repainting a room, replacing cabinet hardware—these are budget-friendly fixes that don’t usually affect your insurance coverage.
DIY repairs can be:
Cost-effective: No labor costs, just your time and materials.
Convenient: Tackle projects on your own schedule.
Empowering: You gain skills and confidence in maintaining your home.
If you’re a homeowner who likes to keep things under control, check out our guide on Disaster-Proofing Your Home and Wallet for tips on building resilience against bigger risks.
Some projects are riskier, and if they’re not done properly, they can cause bigger problems down the road. Think electrical work, roofing, plumbing behind the walls, or major structural repairs. Mistakes here don’t just hit your wallet—they can affect your home insurance claims.
For example:
If faulty DIY wiring sparks a fire, your insurer might deny the claim because it wasn’t done by a licensed electrician.
A roof patch gone wrong could lead to water damage that your policy won’t cover if it’s traced back to improper repairs.
Skipping permits for certain renovations could complicate insurance coverage if damage happens later.
If you ever need to make a claim, having professional work documented can make the process smoother. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our Stress-Free Guide to Filing a Home or Auto Insurance Claim.
Yes, hiring a contractor or licensed pro usually costs more upfront, but it often pays off. Here’s why:
Workmanship matters: Properly completed repairs reduce future risks (and headaches).
Coverage confidence: Insurers are more likely to approve claims if licensed professionals did the work.
Warranties and guarantees: Many contractors back their work, giving you extra peace of mind.
Plus, in the event of storm damage, fire, or other covered events, insurers often require proof that prior work was done correctly. A contractor’s invoice or permit can be the difference between an approved claim and an expensive out-of-pocket bill.
Want to make sure your home is fully protected from regional risks? Don’t miss our post on Moving to the Coast: 3 Insurance Must-Haves for Homeowners.
So, how do you decide? Here’s a quick guide:
DIY-Friendly Repairs: Painting, landscaping, swapping light fixtures (with basic wiring knowledge), installing shelves, minor cosmetic fixes.
Call a Pro For: Roof work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural repairs, anything requiring permits.
A good rule of thumb? If the project could cause significant damage to your home—or put your safety at risk—it’s worth calling in a professional.
Taking on projects yourself can be fun and save money, but it’s not always the best move for your wallet in the long run. The choice between DIY vs professional home repairs should balance your skills, the complexity of the job, and how insurance coverage might be affected.
👉 Ready to make sure your insurance has your back no matter what? Contact Wells Insurance today for a personalized policy review. We’ll help you protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind—whether you’re a DIY weekend warrior or you prefer to leave it to the pros.