Is do-it-yourself really less expensive?  In some cases, it's probably a great idea.  But there are times when professionals are the way to go.  It could even save you more in the long run. 

How can you tell which route is best? www.DIYorNot.com can give you a clue. It has a sizeable database of common household projects and how much they cost to complete on average. The site also tells you how long the job should take, the estimated cost of materials and the basic steps. You can then compare that to estimates from a professional. If you want to tackle a project yourself, the site also has an extensive How To section. You’ll also find project-specific planning calculators. The site even suggests the best times of year to tackle specific household projects.