DIY: What to Leave to the Professionals

Couple outside an oak frame self build
(Image credit: Simon Denison)

Some self builders and renovators often try to do work on a DIY basis as a way of keeping costs down on a building project (like Rob and Alithea Dawson, pictured, who built their low cost oak frame home on a DIY basis). Sometimes this is successful, and other times can lead to disaster.

Bear in mind is that tradespeople are professionals who have either been to college and learnt their trade and/or have learned on the job over a long period of time and and while taking on some tasks will save money, there are others which done yourself could cost you more to put right.

Andy Stevens

Andy Stevens is a multiple award-winning builder who manages Surrey-based building company Eclipse Property Solutions; he specialises in new builds, extensions and loft conversions. 

While he is still on the tools, he is also widely involved in the construction industry. He presents a show on Fix Radio and hosts his own building podcast Build:It, as well as being a speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows. 


Andy has sat on the Board of the Federation of Master Builders (London region) and was previously Vice President. He also works with construction charities and is an advocate for mental health in the industry.