DIY or hire?

Each question has a weight. 'Yes' on a DIY-positive question adds DIY points equal to its weight. 'No' partially flips the signal (half-weight to the other side). 'Unsure' is neutral. Some hazard questions (gas lines, main panels, steep roofs) carry a weight of 5, and a single 'yes' flags the project as hire-only regardless of the other scores.

Different trades have different risk profiles. Plumbing risk is water damage; electrical risk is fire and electrocution; roofing risk is literally falling off. Category-specific questions surface the hazards that matter for your project instead of asking generic 'is it dangerous?' questions.

When the quote is 3–5x the DIY cost and the risk is reversible. A $250 leaky faucet repair? Try DIY first. Worst case you call a plumber and spend $150 more. A $400 panel upgrade? Always hire. The risk is fire and electrocution, not cost.

No. Always get at least one quote before committing to a big job. Quotes are typically free and give you market pricing plus a pro's honest take on scope. Use this tool to decide whether to get the quote, not to replace it.

You can confidently find and shut off the correct breaker, verify the circuit is dead with a tester, and understand the difference between hot/neutral/ground by color. If any of that sounds unfamiliar, the answer to the comfort question is 'no.'

Usually yes for: panel changes, new circuits, gas work, structural changes, additions, and anything involving the water or sewer main. Usually no for: replacing like-for-like fixtures, painting, patching drywall, installing flooring, cosmetic work. When in doubt, call your local building department. They'll answer in 30 seconds.