While I will agree there is a trade off in time and money in some circumstances, its not always so.

Some can argue that if I take time off from work to paint a room, that its "costing" me what I would have earned that day. But what if I opt to use my vacation time? Or squeeze out time to paint the room in off hours? I wouldn't have otherwise been "making" any money anyways. As for "specialized tools" to paint-- really now. Paint brush, roller, and paint tray do not cost THAT much- plus- if you clean your tools and take care of them (Ie- not treat them as disposable), they will serve for multiple times. A drop cloth to me is an old ripped shower curtain I've had for forever. A lot of the "specialized tools" have been created to make money off the DIY craze. I am a firm believer of just getting in there and doing it.

My partner and I took two weeks off years ago (before kids) and did a kitchen renovation of our own. We put in all new cabinets (some seconds- but in ways it didn't show), sink, gas stove, and tile countertop- for under $2000. There is no way we would have afforded it otherwise- our sacrifice was our vacation time. But if we worked those weeks- we wouldn't have made more money- the salary remains the same. And all the "specialty tools" were not bought- we rented. Not many people think of that anymore, but its out there. I have to say that it was one of our most memorable vacations too. Not for everyone, but we liked it.