DIY vs Pro: what it costs to fix every fixture
106 household fixtures — DIY parts price against professional install pricing, difficulty and typical lifespan. 1 job so far include real pro price bands; the rest are straightforward DIY swaps.
DIY or Pro? Quick calculator
Enter your local handyperson rate and compare the true cost of doing it yourself (parts plus your time) against hiring a pro.
Loading comparison data…
Kitchen (22)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faucet Aerator | $2–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Cabinet Hinge (Self-Closing) | $2–$10parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Garbage Disposal Splash Guard | $3–$15parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Drawer Slide (Ball-Bearing) | $5–$25parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Sink Strainer Basket | $2–$9parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Cocktail Shaker | $10–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Silverware / Flatware Tray | $5–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Utensil Rack (Hanging Rail) | $8–$50parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Cup Rack (Under-Cabinet Mug Holder) | $5–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Soup Ladle | $5–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Sink Drain Repair Parts & Kits | $5–$40parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Drain Auger (Sink Snake) | $10–$50parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Kitchen Sink Repair Parts | $8–$50parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Plumber's Putty | $3–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Kettle Lid & Base Parts | $8–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Slow Cooker Liners | $8–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Slow Cooker Crock (Replacement) | $20–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Slow Cooker Carrier & Latch Lid | $10–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Toaster Oven Pan & Crumb Tray | $10–$35parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Rice Cooker Steam Basket & Measuring Cup | $8–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Deep Fryer Basket & Lid | $10–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Countertop Compost Caddy | $10–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for kitchen fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Bathroom (12)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showerhead | $8–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Toilet Flapper | $3–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Towel Bar / Ring | $10–$60parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Grab Bar | $15–$80parts, typical range | Challenging | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Tub & Shower Caulk Line | $3–$10parts, typical range | Moderate | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Shower Bench | $25–$150parts, typical range | Moderate | 7 yrs | DIY job |
| Bathtub Caddy | $15–$60parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Toilet Auger (Closet Auger)Pro pricing | $15–$50parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | $100–$275typical flat rate |
| Bath Pillow | $8–$35parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
| Bidet Attachment | $30–$400parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Towel Ladder | $15–$70parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Drain Hair Catcher | $5–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for bathroom fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Hardware (14)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Door Hinge | $2–$10parts, typical range | Moderate | 15 yrs | DIY job |
| Door Lockset / Knob | $12–$120parts, typical range | Moderate | 15 yrs | DIY job |
| Drywall Wall Anchors | $3–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Cabinet Knobs & Pulls | $1–$10parts, typical range | Easy | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Door Stopper (Hinge-Pin) | $2–$6parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Wall Plate (Switch & Outlet Cover) | $2–$15parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Outlet Cover & Childproof Caps | $1–$8parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Ceiling Fan Blade | $8–$50parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Door Lever Handle | $15–$120parts, typical range | Moderate | 15 yrs | DIY job |
| Door Strike Plate | $3–$15parts, typical range | Easy | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Curtain Rod Rings, Finials & Holdbacks | $5–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Chandelier Chain & Crystal Prisms | $10–$60parts, typical range | Moderate | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Ceiling Fan Globe (Light Cover) | $8–$35parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Sconce Shade | $10–$50parts, typical range | Easy | 20 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for hardware fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Storage (14)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closet Rod & Flanges | $8–$30parts, typical range | Moderate | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Shelf Brackets | $3–$20parts, typical range | Moderate | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Adhesive Wall Hooks | $2–$10parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
| Drawer Dividers (Adjustable) | $6–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Over-the-Door Hooks | $5–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Bar Cabinet | $60–$600parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Corner Shelf | $10–$80parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Blanket Ladder | $15–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Bedside Caddy (Hanging Organizer) | $6–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Pegboard Hooks | $5–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Boot Shapers & Stretchers | $8–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Stackable Shoe Shelf | $10–$40parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Stackable Plastic Drawers | $15–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Cubby Shelf (Cube Storage) | $25–$150parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for storage fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Cleaning (10)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Filter (HEPA/Foam) | $8–$35parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
| Mop Head (Microfiber) | $4–$18parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Squeegee Blade | $2–$8parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Robot Vacuum Side Brush Set | $6–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Toilet Brush & Holder | $3–$15parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Steam Mop | $40–$150parts, typical range | Easy | 4 yrs | DIY job |
| Dusting Spray | $3–$8parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Mop Refills (Spray Mop Pads & Solution) | $5–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 6 mo | DIY job |
| Broom Handle | $8–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Broom Head & Bristles | $5–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
Typical ranges for cleaning fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Laundry (7)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washer Inlet Hoses | $10–$30parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Dryer Vent Duct | $8–$30parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Dryer Lint Screen | $5–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Zipper Slider Replacement | $3–$10parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Iron Soleplate & Steam Vents | $3–$8parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Quilt Rack (Display & Dry Rack) | $15–$60parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Lint Brush (Pet Hair Brush) | $3–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
Typical ranges for laundry fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Outdoor (15)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Hose Washer | $0.20–$2parts, typical range | Easy | 1 yr | DIY job |
| Sprinkler Head (Pop-Up) | $3–$20parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Gate Latch | $5–$35parts, typical range | Moderate | 7 yrs | DIY job |
| Outdoor Doormat | $10–$50parts, typical range | Easy | 18 mo | DIY job |
| Downspout Extender | $8–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Outdoor Ottoman | $20–$150parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Picnic Table | $80–$600parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Wheelbarrow | $40–$200parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
| Patio Umbrella | $30–$250parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Outdoor Cushion | $15–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Shed Foundation (Gravel or Block) | $200–$1,000parts, typical range | Challenging | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Compost Tumbler | $40–$200parts, typical range | Moderate | 7 yrs | DIY job |
| Tarp Clips | $6–$20parts, typical range | Easy | 3 yrs | DIY job |
| Compost Bin Parts (Hinges, Lids & Doors) | $8–$35parts, typical range | Moderate | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Compost Sifter (Screen) | $15–$60parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for outdoor fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Furniture (6)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Chair | $10–$50parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Ottoman | $30–$300parts, typical range | Easy | 7 yrs | DIY job |
| Media Console / TV Stand | $50–$500parts, typical range | Moderate | 8 yrs | DIY job |
| Murphy Bed | $800–$4,000parts, typical range | Challenging | 20 yrs | DIY job |
| Entryway Bench | $30–$250parts, typical range | Easy | 8 yrs | DIY job |
| Mudroom Bench (Storage) | $40–$300parts, typical range | Moderate | 10 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for furniture fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.
Stationery (6)
| Fixture | DIY parts cost | Difficulty | Typical lifespan | Pro install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desk Stapler | $5–$30parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Pencil Sharpener Blade | $2–$8parts, typical range | Easy | 2 yrs | DIY job |
| Tape Dispenser Core | $3–$15parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Scissors Sharpening | $5–$25parts, typical range | Easy | 5 yrs | DIY job |
| Whiteboard & Marker Care | $3–$12parts, typical range | Easy | 3 mo | DIY job |
| Monitor & Laptop Riser Stand | $15–$80parts, typical range | Easy | 10 yrs | DIY job |
Typical ranges for stationery fixtures. Prices in USD; sources on each fixture page.