October 2025
Are you torn between rolling up your sleeves for a DIY project and calling in a licensed pro? In this episode of Elevate & Renovate, host Michael Kern sits down with Beth Allen of DIY Hip Chicks, the “Queen of DIY” featured on Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, and QVC, to break down exactly when to DIY and when to hire.
We dive into:
The real benefits homeowners gain from doing it themselves
Where to draw the line: great DIY opportunities vs. projects that truly need a licensed professional
Common DIY projects that go sideways, and how to avoid the pitfalls
Hidden decision factors that can make or break your plan
How to honestly assess your own skill level before taking on something big
Pro perspective: how hiring experts can actually save money long-term
Hybrid approaches that blend homeowner sweat equity with professional precision
The must-have tools & baseline skills every homeowner should own
Do TV shows & social media help or hurt expectations?