DIY vs. hiring a Professional Handyman
Doing it yourself versus hiring a professional handyman or home renovation contractor near Mooresville, NC
“I can do that myself.”
A common phrase heard by handymen over and over. Another that typically goes hand in hand with the above is usually "that seems expensive". We get it. Inflation stinks. None of us want to overspend on anything in life, so why would home repairs or renovations be any different?
What some clients often don’t consider, however, are all the aspects that factor into the price of a job. For example, some basic things to think about before deciding on the DIY route are: price of materials, tools used or needing to be rented, skill and time (and especially what your own time is worth to you vs. having someone else do the work for you). Each component is equally important in making sure the job is done right. Below, you will find some general notes gathered over time, from our many conversations with customers that could help YOU make the important decision of hiring a professional vs. doing the job yourself, when the time comes.
Materials
Acquiring the materials needed for a project seems pretty straightforward. You just go to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up the supplies you need, right? While we would love it if it were that simple, it rarely is. It takes experience and knowledge to know exactly which material is right for each project. Choosing the wrong material could very well double or triple the labor-hours spent on your project, costing you a lot more in the long run. Just like how every client is unique, every repair or remodel is unique in it's needs too. What worked for a DIYer on TikTok might not work for your situation, for a plethora of reasons specific to your home or specific circumstance. Another point to consider with materials is (of course) cost. We, as a professional handyman service, often rely on a network of other professionals and companies, which give us the ability to source materials often at a lower cost than the big box stores charge. With this network, also comes access to product availability. With covid having changed the world the way it did, things aren't as easy to get as they once were. At this point in our post-covid world, everyone knows there have been worldwide shortages of numerous building and repair materials. Our clients usually don't have the access to the suppliers that our professional network offers, so there are times when we're able to source the needed materials that the general public isn’t able to get their hands on.
Tools
Tools are something clients do not take into consideration when trying to DIY a project for less than what was estimated by a professional. Tools are expensive, especially quality tools that will do the job right. Let’s say you’re able to get the materials, but now what? Do you have the right tools to install it? Are you going to need to rent or buy the correct tool to get the work done? The cost of this can really add up, and often the tool will end up collecting dust in the back of your garage once the project is done. Professional handymen have an array of quality tools for different projects to ensure everything is done correctly.
Skill
You were able to get the materials and tools, so now it’s time to get started on that DIY project! Do you know how to install that new toilet? Why do the drywall screws keep going in too far? We pride ourselves in being skilled professionals who will get the job done right. Sometimes a YouTube video can walk you through how to repair something, but often we have found that the job ends up being more work than the client expects, which ends up costing them more money and time in the long run. Getting the job done correctly the first time can save you a major headache and more time to deal with all of your life's daily needs.
Time
You can do a project yourself, but will you? Between work, taking care of your family, and all the other regular tasks you have to do each day, when are you fitting in time to work on that project? Maybe over the weekend, but then that will take time away from your family and cut into the very little free time you have. Your time is precious, and we understand that. Let us take something off your plate!
At the end of the day, hiring a professional will cost money, but shouldn't bankrupt you either. While some projects can be DIY’ed, sometimes you need a skilled trades person to come in and help. Professional handyman services is a great way to save yourself some time in the short run and money in the long, all while getting the job done right. Give us a call today for a free estimate, and see how we can help make your life a little easier!