My mainstream business (aside from the link directory) is web design...so to help answer...
It really depends on what you are wanting done and most importantly, is this a long-term project for you? In other words, is this going to be your main bread and butter...It also comes down to the abilities on two fronts: Technical and then obviously, the Visual. Good design for both is very important to consider because websites can be costly, but if it's done right from the start, then its cost effective. Many try to go the cheap low cost route only to end up paying more for fixes, upgrades, among other things...so in the end, choosing to go that way can actually cost you more in the long run.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying its good to pay high cost to ensure good design, far from it. In fact I've seen a lot of expensive sites that were designed poorly.
The other "important" factor to consider is if you outsource your design needs, make sure the person you are about to work with has good business sense and good people (customer service) skills. You need to feel good inside about the one you are considering. This person should also offer you more than one solution and not just one and thats it.
On the part of attempting to do things inhouse, such as on your own, make sure you understand the workings of code and have some sense of good design. Sometimes though, there are site owners who just don't have the ability to seek out a professional solution. There are ways of putting together a decent site from what you can find on the net, but you should plan to spend extra time and effort away from the actual business of your site for sake of the design needs.
If you hire inhouse designer or webmaster, make sure they can give you what you want and able to give you support in keeping you online and provide you with seo solutions as well.
Hope this helps in some way or form
