DIY vs Hiring Pro Calculator
Weigh Cost, Time, and Risk
Estimate total DIY cost vs a professional bid. Factor in your time, granular risk items, and tool budget. See break-even hours.
Costs & Time
Enter your costs and the value of your time
Include consumables and small parts.
Total contractor quote for the same scope.
Opportunity cost of your time (or what your free time is worth).
Risk Breakdown
Granular risk % included in DIY cost
Distribute risk across items like rework, tools, material waste, surprises. Higher total risk increases DIY cost.
Impact on DIY cost10%
Impact on DIY cost5%
Impact on DIY cost5%
Total risk: 20%
Results
Heuristic with break-even hours
DIY total (est.)
$1,415
Pro bid
$2,000
Your time value
$40/hr
Break-even hours
35 hrs
Tool budget (est.)
$15
Total risk %
20%
DIY likely worth it