Is this a project where doing it yourself is going to save you money? Or does the amount of time you’ll spend working on it outweigh monetary costs? Sit down and start crunching the numbers, starting with what the supplies are going to cost. Then, determine how long you think a project will take. Always overestimate to account for potential issues that may arise.
The internet is a great resource for those who want to DIY. Watch instructional videos to make sure it’s something that you are capable of doing. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone who posts online is an expert. Do your research to find reputable resources. Reach out via social media to friends and family to see if anyone has experience with this type of project as they made have tips to make the task easier.
Before knocking down that wall or mapping out your new patio, you need to find out if your plans will require permits or need inspections somewhere along the line. If your project is out of code, it may make your home more difficult to sell down the line and will cost you even more money to fix.
The bigger the project, the higher the likelihood is that something will go wrong. The last thing you want is to spend the time and money trying to do something yourself only to have to spend the money on a professional anyway. If you have any doubt in your ability, it might be best to hire a contractor.