When to Hire a Handyman and When to DIY: Tips and Tricks
When it comes to home repairs and improvements, it can be difficult to know whether to call in a professional handyman or tackle the project yourself. Knowing when to hire a handyman and when to DIY can save you time, money, and frustration. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you make the right decision. Hiring a handyman can be beneficial for complex projects that require specialized skills and tools. They have the training and experience to handle a wide range of tasks, from plumbing repairs to electrical work. However, for smaller, straightforward projects, doing it yourself can be a cost-effective option. Not only does it save you money on labor costs, but it can also give you a sense of accomplishment. We will explore different factors to consider when deciding whether to hire a handyman or tackle the project yourself. We will discuss the cost implications, the level of difficulty, and the time commitment involved. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of when to reach out to a professional and when to roll up your sleeves and DIY. So, let’s dive in and uncover the best approach for your next home improvement endeavor.
When to hire a handyman
While DIY projects can be satisfying and cost-effective, there are instances when hiring a handyman is the better choice. Here are some situations where it’s advisable to hire a professional:
- Complex projects: If a project involves complex tasks or requires specialized skills, it’s best to hire a handyman. Examples include major plumbing repairs, electrical work, or structural modifications. These tasks often require an in-depth understanding of building codes and regulations, and attempting them without proper knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes or safety hazards.
- Safety concerns: Certain home repairs can be dangerous or pose safety risks. For instance, working with electrical wiring, climbing ladders to access high areas, or handling heavy equipment can be risky if you don’t have the necessary expertise or physical capabilities. Hiring a handyman ensures that the job is done safely and reduces the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Time-sensitive projects: If a project has tight deadlines or needs to be completed within a specific timeframe, hiring a handyman can help you meet your goals. They have the experience and efficiency to complete tasks promptly, saving you from potential delays and stress.
- Lack of knowledge or experience: It’s important to recognize your own limitations. If you don’t have the necessary knowledge or experience to tackle a particular project, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting complex tasks without proper understanding can lead to costly mistakes and may end up costing you more in the long run.
- Large-scale renovations: When it comes to extensive renovations or remodeling projects, it’s often more practical to hire a general contractor or specialized tradespeople. They have the expertise to coordinate various aspects of the project, ensuring that everything is done efficiently and to a high standard. A handyman may not have the capacity or resources to handle large-scale renovations.
In these scenarios, hiring a handyman is a wise decision. However, there are many smaller, straightforward tasks that you can tackle on your own, saving you money and giving you a sense of accomplishment.
Common DIY tasks
Doing it yourself can be a rewarding experience, especially for smaller home repairs and improvements. Here are some common DIY tasks that you can confidently take on:
- Painting: One of the most popular DIY tasks is painting. Whether you want to freshen up a room or give your furniture a new look, painting is a relatively simple project that can yield impressive results. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your space without the need for professional help.
- Installing fixtures and fittings: Replacing light fixtures, installing shelves, or putting up curtains are tasks that can easily be done by yourself. With basic tools and some patience, you can update your home’s appearance and functionality without the need for a handyman.
- Minor plumbing repairs: Simple plumbing issues like fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging drains, or replacing a showerhead can often be resolved without professional assistance. There are numerous online tutorials and DIY resources available that can guide you through these common plumbing repairs.
- Basic electrical work: If you have some electrical knowledge and feel comfortable working with wires, you can handle basic electrical tasks like replacing light switches, installing ceiling fans, or adding new electrical outlets. However, it’s important to remember that for more complex electrical work, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician.
- Gardening and landscaping: Taking care of your garden and improving your outdoor space is a popular DIY endeavor. From mowing the lawn to planting flowers and building raised garden beds, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beautiful and well-maintained garden on your own.
These are just a few examples of the many DIY tasks you can undertake. However, before deciding to DIY, it’s crucial to consider various factors that will help you determine whether you’re capable of completing the project successfully.
Factors to consider before deciding to DIY
Can You Find Instruction for the Project?
Certain tasks around the home are no brainers. They require little information in order to complete the task, but others may require a little help from the internet, DIY magazines, or advice directly from a professional in that area. All DIYers have their preferred informational resources and it is important to check all of them. When searching on the internet for possible information, ensure that it is resourced from a credible source. It can be relatively easy to manipulate pictures or a video to make it look like the project was a success when, in fact, it might have been a complete failure. Online information can be great, but it can also lead you down a very negative path, so only find online sources you can trust in, not just the ones that pop up on a search first.
DIY magazines are excellent resources for all DIYers. They provide credible information backed by actual journalistic integrity. In most DIY magazines, each project has been tried and tested, so these can be a much more effective resource to put your trust in. If you have yet to subscribe to a DIY magazine or two, be sure to check one out if you are a serious DIYer. Professional opinions and advice is worth its weight in gold, especially when it comes to DIY projects. However, the drawback to this is most professionals do not want to give out free advice for obvious reasons, but in the case of small repairs or those the professional would be unable to charge big bucks for, you might be able to get some information out of them. It does not hurt to ask.
What Are the Expectations of the Project?
Among the biggest things to consider when thinking of a DIY project is the final outcome of it. DIYers are not experts and sometimes, the final result of a project may be functional, but not ideal. In areas where the final project might be hidden from view, a DIYer can get away with more. However, when the final project will be on display for all to see, you may want to call in a professional. For those who want a truly professional appearance to the project, an expert is generally the best solution, but adequate DIYers can sometimes pull off remarkably professional looking projects depending on the level of effort they put into the project. Know your expertise and your expectations for each DIY project you undertake.
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
DIYers should certainly praised for their efforts at taking on a variety of tasks. In some areas, DIYers can build entire homes without hiring out for a professional contractor and the results are amazing, but not every DIYer should take on an entire home building project or similar projects around the home. Homeowners insurance, car insurance, boat and RV insurance are all there for a reason and when repairing one of these, you need to read your insurance policy very closely and know local laws for where you live.
Depending on what type of insurance you have and how much it covers, you can make or break your finances. For example, if you are repairing your roof, just replacing a few shingles, and come across a weak spot on the roof in which you fall through, your homeowners insurance agent will have some questions for you. The first will likely be, why didn’t you call a professional roofer. Insurance is available to help with repairs, but insurance companies will look for every possible loop hole to get out of paying on a claim, so be sure to know your policy and abide by it to keep from having to pay an enormous repair bill in the end.
Break Apart Larger Projects
It is perfectly fine to take on large home repairs even if you are not a licensed contractor as long as your insurance policy is fine with it. We all need to expand our horizons and simply try something new on occasion, but remember, you do not have to take on the whole project by yourself. The difference between a contractor and a DIYer is the contractor utilizes various parts of their team for different tasks. No single contractor generally does an entire home renovation or build project on their own. They have certain people in certain areas that specialize in specific things.
You can use this notion with your DIY projects. Consider breaking up a large project into smaller jobs. For instance, you may want to completely renovate an entire room of your home. Consider the whole room broken up into parts. You will have to consider using a storage unit to store items in the room, the floor, ceiling, electrical work, painting, refinishing, and in some larger renovations, you might even have to consider alterations to the roof system. Make a list first. Some things you can take on while others you may have to delegate to a contractor. Approaching the project in this manner will allow you to save money, but also have a professional available for certain aspects.
Being a DIYer is a lot of fun and even when you are not a professional, your DIY spirit can allow you to do amazing things. Never shy away from a project for fear of failure, but always consider the above thoughts to ensure you do not end up making more of a project for yourself or a contractor later down the line.
Pros and cons of hiring a handyman
While hiring a handyman can be beneficial, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of hiring a professional:
Pros:
- Expertise and experience: Handymen have the necessary expertise and experience to handle a wide range of tasks. They can provide professional-quality workmanship and ensure that the repairs or improvements are done correctly.
- Time-saving: Hiring a handyman allows you to free up your own time and focus on other priorities. They can complete tasks efficiently, especially if you have a busy schedule or tight deadlines.
- Access to tools and equipment: Handymen come equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to complete projects. This eliminates the need for you to purchase or rent tools for one-time use.
- Versatility and range of services: Handymen offer a versatile range of services, eliminating the need to hire multiple contractors for different projects. This simplifies the process and potentially saves you money.
- Insurance and guarantees: Reputable handymen often have insurance coverage, protecting you from liability in case of accidents or damage. They may also provide guarantees on their work, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring a handyman involves labor costs, which can add up depending on the complexity and duration of the project. It’s important to consider your budget and compare the cost of hiring a professional to the potential savings of doing it yourself.
- Scheduling: Coordinating schedules with a handyman can sometimes be challenging, especially if they have a busy workload. You may need to plan and schedule the project well in advance to ensure their availability.
- Reliance on others: Hiring a handyman means relying on someone else to complete the project. If you prefer to have control over the process or want to learn new skills, doing it yourself might be a better option.
- Limited availability: Handymen may not be available for emergency repairs or immediate assistance. It’s important to communicate your needs and timelines upfront to ensure they can accommodate your requirements.
Considering these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about whether to hire a handyman or tackle the project yourself.
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About the author
The Handyman Tips Team is a group of authors that provides tips on the Handyman Tips website. The Handyman Tips team consists of real handymen, contractors, carpenters, woodworkers, and experts in home repairs, appliance repairs, and landscaping. The team is always there for visitors to the Handyman Tips website. If you can’t find the answer to your question on the Handyman Tips website, one of them will reply to you almost immediately if you contact them through the Ask the Handyman page!