Here’s a question for you - should you do your own home improvements? Maybe you’re a fan of This Old House and you’ve thought to yourself, “Hey, I could do that!” But some projects aren’t as easy as they seem - and can quickly become a disaster. So, follow this guide from Bankrate.com if you want to save yourself TIME and MONEY.

• Assess your skills. Dan Fritschen is the author of the book Remodel or Move?. And he says the first thing you should ask yourself before jumping into a home improvement project is “Do I enjoy physical labor and do I like getting dirty?” And even if the answer is yes, you’ll need more than willingness and determination. Check with friends who have tackled similar projects and try to write down each step of the process. And keep in mind that there are some things better left to the pros - stuff that can be dangerous and costly, like electrical work, natural gas pipes and plumbing.
• Consider the costs. Doing it yourself does eliminate labor costs, so you’ll save money - but only if you don’t mess up too badly. It can wind up costing an arm and a leg to redo a bad home “improvement” job. But remember - you don’t need a tricked-out workshop to get the job done, just the basics. Rent tools you’ll only need once, like a sander for hardwood floors. And if you do decide to go with a contractor, always get multiple bids because they can vary widely.

Bottom line? Creating something with your own hands is great, but if you don’t have the time or interest to fix even a leaky faucet, you’re better off hiring a pro. Because when you add up the cost of research, materials and time, a Do-It-Yourself project can really add up. On the other hand, by doing it yourself, you’ll be able to pay more attention to detail - which can ultimately lead to a better result.