A good rule: call a professional when safety, hidden systems or high cost of mistakes are involved. Anything that touches electrical panels, gas lines, main plumbing lines or structural parts of the house is usually not worth experimenting on unless you’re trained. Incorrect wiring, for example, doesn’t just flicker a light; it can start a fire.
You should also pause DIY when you notice yourself guessing instead of following clear instructions. If you’ve watched three tutorials and still feel unsure, or you need special tools you don’t own, that’s a sign the job might be trickier than it looks.
Time is another factor. If fixing something small yourself will take a full weekend of frustration, while a pro can do it in an hour, it may be wiser to pay. DIY is fantastic for minor tasks: painting, simple shelving, replacing handles, basic caulking. But knowing when to step back is part of being a smart homeowner, not a failure.