It’s an age-old question. Should I fix it or hire someone to fix it for me? The “it” in this situation could be anything. From gutter cleaning to car detailing, there’s a person you can hire to do any chore you either don’t feel like tackling or have no idea where to begin.
I’m not a handy guy. I can mow a lawn, wash my car and change a tire but my skill set is limited to beginner status when it comes to most handyman items around the house. One of my prouder moments was figuring out how to install a ceiling fan without electrocuting myself. A small feat for sure but one I wear like a badge of honor whenever that fan circulates cool air on our guests.
I’m not opposed to using YouTube on occasion to figure something out. I’ve fixed plenty of toilets and added coolant to my car AC system by watching more than one DIY video. They’re useful, but there are certain projects that live outside my realm of understanding.
Personally, I ask myself three questions before I tackle any project. If any of these three is a “yes,” I’m on the phone calling someone who can manage it for me:
Is there a high probability of death?
Technically the fan could’ve been a yes to this question given the electricity involved; however, I was young and figured I could do it myself with help from my neighbor. I failed to mention my neighbor at the time was an electrical engineer so I was in good hands.
Anything major having to do with electricity, heights or units of measurement in any way would require a hired hand for me. The thought of scaling a ladder more than five feet off the ground while holding a piece of lumber and attempting to measure something is laughable. I’d fall off the ladder, plunk myself in the head and end up in the hospital. It’s a sad reality to be this inept when it comes to building anything but the truth, is the truth. Know your limits. I sure know mine.
Does it require a degree or license?
There are plenty of DIYers out there and many of them do a really nice job on whatever it is they’re working on. Many more do not. The same can be said of someone you may hire as well. That’s why so many people rely on neighbors and friends to provide recommendations prior to pursuing their dream kitchen or new deck on the back of their house.
The reality is, you’ve most likely saved and perhaps even sacrificed for whatever it is you want to build or do. It makes sense to hire a professional who’s been trained to help with just these types of situations. Don’t mistake me. This isn’t an infomercial for the “Tradesman of America” or anything of the sort. If you have the ability to undertake a project and do it right, have at it. Many times it’s the “do it right” part that becomes the sticking point.
Will it be more expensive to fix if I screw it up?
This is an easy one for me to answer. It’s almost always yes. For others, it may be a bit more challenging.
We’ll use an example. Let’s say you want to build an addition to your house. Although you’ve successfully built birdhouses in the past, this project will be a stretch and a test of your modest skillset. A reliance on YouTube videos in order to save thousands of dollars in labor sounds like a good idea until you get started. Halfway through, you realize you’re in over your head and need to hire someone to help. How expensive will that be compared to what it would have been if you’d bit the bullet to begin with?
Knowing our limitations can be difficult to admit. On the one hand, it’s defeatist to think we can’t do something. On the other hand, it’s smart, saving time and money in the long run. Asking yourself these three key questions could be the difference maker in relieving a ton of frustration.
In the mean time, I’m going to bask in the glory of this fan going round and round over my head.
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