When to Do It Yourself, When to Hire a Pro

Hiring a Carpenter

Problem: Your bookcases are buckling under their heavy load.

Enter: The carpenter. A professional knows exactly what to do, from choosing the right veneer to finding the proper wall studs that will prevent it all from crashing down.

Cost: Varies considerably. Count on spending at least a few hundred dollars for multilevel shelves.

To find one: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals, or contact your local building association at the National Association of Home Builders’ website (nahb.org).

Consider doing it yourself when: You relish the chance to act as a handyman and break out your power drill. Find a kit with instructions and hardware at a home-improvement or hardware store.