During my working career I hired out almost everything purely because of a lack of time. Now that I’m retired it’s completely different. I actually don’t mind letting professionals do the work when they demonstrate a high level of expertise. I hate having to come back and rework something because it was rushed through in a half ass manner. But to answer your question- if it’s within my understanding I usually DIY!
Forced to DIY
Sometimes we don't want to DIY things, but we are forced to.
After living in this house for 2 years I was finally ready to get a plumber to deal with the leaky kitchen faucet. Turns out all the plumbers in the area are backed up from January's cold snap which broke many pipes and put them behind. I literally can't get a plumber.
I may not be rich enough to buy D'Agostino or Boulder but I sure as hell can hire a plumber. If I could find one. So instead of hiring a plumber, and swiping my credit card I have to do it all myself. New strap wrench, 2 valve kits from Moen even if the faucet literally says Kohler on it, and an hour later I have a faucet that doesn't leak.
Right now my integrated is causing me some issues. I am honestly tired and I'd rather pay to fix it, but the effort to find a qualified tech and package and ship the amp is so much more work than I would need to fix it myself that yet again, I'm DIYing it.
Mind you in a lot of ways I like doing DIY projects, but the plumbing and this particulare issue are not really that.
How about you? Have you found yourself driven to DIY at home or in your stereo because the alternative was just not feasible?