In general, he advises most do-it-yourself homeowners to avoid doing any major structural changes by themselves. The same advice goes for changes to a home's mechanical systems, such as heating and electrical, McKnight said.

"What a lot of people don't realize is that even a licensed general contractor — I'm not licensed to do some of those things myself," McKnight said. "I have to hire someone who is licensed to do those particular things."

When considering a home repair, he recommends people first compare the costs of doing a project to the costs of hiring a professional. Then, he recommends homeowners decide if they have the time and tools to do a project right.

"A job I can do in a few weeks can sometimes take homeowners a year if it's in their spare time," McKnight said. "You have to ask, do I want the job done right away, or is it something I want to invest my time into?"

Dallin Albertson, with Hendrix Ventures, said he believes some of the benefits of hiring a contractor include time and also cost. A contractor's job is to work on a project full-time while homeowners often do repairs in their spare time, he said.

Also, contractors can often get materials at a deal, he said. And in today's economy, many builders and contractors are lowering their prices.

From his perspective, one of the most common mistakes a do-it-yourselfer makes is not understanding how floors, walls, lighting and other fixes should be square and level. He said he prides himself on being a perfectionist with his work.

"If you're looking for that professional eye on things, get someone familiar with the trade," Albertson said.

Another mistake is not understanding permits and other inspections needed when doing a large remodel. A city could come in and stop a project if it's not done right, Albertson said.

And on that note, he also advises homeowners to make sure they "do it right" when hiring a contractor. Check a person's credentials and licensing, he said. And always ask for more than three references.

Either way, both Albertson and McKnight believe it's possible for homeowners to do a repair projects by themselves. They just need to take the time to research, plan and understand what they are doing.

"There are a lot of simple little mistakes people make that cost them a lot of time and money," said McKnight.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com