Smartest (and dumbest) areas to DIY

[Patrick Britton]

Hi,

Looking at a fixer upper needing everything (let's assume), what areas could be best done by the owner?  

My personal opinion is that a lot of the demo could be done by the homeowner, as well as anything else that's relatively labor intensive and not requiring a specific skill set.  

However, I've also met some people who install their own kitchen cabinets since they are actually relatively easy to install, and is a source GCs tend to mark up considerably.  

Love to get some opinions on this.  thanks! 

[Joe Splitrock]

@Patrick Britton I would avoid demolition or any other low skill work. you can hire it done for near nothing. It will be done faster with a crew and you can focus on higher value tasks. For example, tile work is one thing that costs a ton to install. Plumbing and electrical are also very expensive. I know my advice may be backwards from what others suggest. I look at it this way. My time is worth more than demolition, cleaning or mowing a lawn. I hire all that done. Of course it all depends on your abilities.