While many of the readers of this blog are well-versed trade professionals, many of our followers are simply ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ enthusiasts who might not have the same level of experience. Average tool users take pride in handling simple fixes and repairs around their homes. But where should you draw the line between do it yourself and hiring a professional? Today, we’re looking at what you should consider in deciding if a project is something you can complete with your own two hands, or whether it is something you should hire a true professional to complete.
The first, and probably most important thing to consider: is it safe for you to do this project on your own? While something like painting or installing a faucet is probably low risk, when you start moving into electrical work and the like, there’s real risk of hurting yourself. Know what your skill sets are, and don’t try to complete a task outside of your scope of knowledge. The money you think you’re saving by doing the project yourself won’t be worth the time spent in the hospital.
In addition to hurting yourself, it is important to think about how you can damage your home. Not properly aligning or sealing something can lead to a water leak, a fire or numerous other long-term problems. This not only can cause costly damages to your home, but also endanger both you and your family. Saving money in the short term could affect the long-term value of your home, and medical bills if something were to go wrong are never cheap.
Another important factor to think about is the value of your time. A big reason people choose to do projects themselves is that they think that can get the job done at a lower cost. However, it is important to remember that time is money. While it may save dollars to do a project on your own, what else could you be doing with that time? If you have a job and family obligations, how much longer is it going to take you to get a project done as opposed to a professional whose only focus would be on getting your project done? Additionally, buying or renting all the tools you might need for a big project can be a huge cost, one that wouldn’t be incurred by a pro who already owns the tools for your job.
Keep all these things in mind when deciding whether to try and do DIY home repairs. As fun as it can be to do things yourself, remember that professionals are professionals are a reason. They have the knowledge and experience to make sure the job is done right the first time. Have you had any DIY home repairs go awry? Share your stories with us on social media!