It might sound contrary to the idea of “do it yourself” home projects, but turning to a contractor for help can make a major difference. Some homeowners that want to get their hands dirty—or just want to save money—balk at the notion, but having some professional insight lightens the burden of less glamorous or more dangerous work and puts your more ambitious projects within reach. Here are some ways that hiring a contractor will improve your DIY project.

The Right Tools for the Job

Specialized equipment and materials aren’t always easy to come by, which can thwart some of your DIY dreams. Fortunately, professional contractors have, or can get their hands on, the tools and supplies you need. You may be able to get your hands on scrap metal for a handmade fixture, but unless you have a capable bandsaw or laser cutter available, it’s more prudent to call a custom metal fabrication shop to get the pieces you need. From there, you can then start putting them together.

Along with the need for equipment, knowledge of how to use that equipment effectively and safely is critical. Involved tasks like trimming trees, replacing flooring, rewiring lights and more can easily cause trouble for amateur renovators. This often means having to undo faulty work at great cost, if not causing personal injury. Some tasks are simply best left to professionals.

An Eye for Design

Sometimes, you don’t need to hire for labor or for custom fabrication. Many businesses, rather than performing renovation work directly, instead offer consultation on home improvement projects. These consultants provide second opinions on material selections and design choices and can direct you to vendors that have the supplies you’ll need, or professionals capable of assisting. Ultimately, a consultant will keep you on track with your vision for your home, from budgeting and outlining projects to suggesting alternate courses of action.

What a good renovation consultant won’t do is pressure you into giving up and handing the project over to contractors entirely. Though they may highlight obstacles and pitfalls that would-be DIYers may not be aware of, the intent isn’t to scare them out of it. Some unscrupulous contractors may offer consultation that amounts to “you need to hire me”—if you want a consultation, turn to someone who does solely consultation work. It’s your project, and they’re just there to help you get it done.

There’s nothing wrong with seeking professional aid with DIY home improvement, as big of an undertaking as it can be. A little help or guidance can let you do more for your home than you would’ve thought possible.