DIY or Pro?
Sometimes even the best DIYer has to call in an expert
I am a huge advocate for Do-It-Yourself (DIY). There's nothing quite so rewarding as figuring out how to do something - and then pulling it off.
But there are drawbacks too.
In considering DIY vs. Pro, it's not always easy to determine which way to go. To make the best decision, I like to do a little cost-benefit analysis first. Often, DIY rises to the top. But there is a time and a place for the hired professional too.
The most critical question I ask myself when deciding to DIY is, do I have the skill set to tackle this?
As a maker and doer since forever, the answer is frequently "yes." But one doesn't have to be an avid maker to take on DIY. Often a project requires applying common skills that most of us use daily.
Replacing a lightbulb is the simplest example. Turn the power off, then lefty loosie the old, righty tightie the new. And you're done.
A wall outlet is not much harder. Kill the power and turn a few screws - six to be exact. Yes, lefty loosie/righty tightie for these as well: remove the cover (1 screw), remove the outlet (2 screws), disconnect the wires (3 screws). Repeat in reverse order to install, and that's it. You'll never forget how easy it is once you do it.
Many projects are like the outlet - a few screws and replace a part.
I put in a new washing machine drain pump without ever working on one before. And the same goes for replacing the embedded battery on my laptop. Both were jobs for "skilled technicians" only, according to the product guides. But I know how to switch off power and turn a screw, so I went for DIY with both.
DIYing is often about taking what we already know and applying it to new opportunities.
But sometimes there are limits.
As much as I love DIYing, and learning, there are excellent reasons to say no to DIY and call in a pro.
The first reason an outside expert is best - time. My house, for example, will be due for a complete repaint three years from now. But I might not do it myself, despite being an excellent painter.
A well-done house painting job takes a solid week. That's time I'd rather spend on other projects. And if not a project, maybe a real vacation (we all need that). Either way, sometimes calling in a pro is not about our inabilities. Instead, it's about our priorities.
Another major factor in outsourcing a project is equipment. Yes, I have used "advanced repairs" as an excuse to further tool-up. Many of the devices I now use regularly made it into my life because of a DIY project that required them. And I've also borrowed tools - renting things like stump grinders, and wood chippers is easy to do. You can rent all sorts of crazy wheel pullers and even welders from the right supplier.
But occasionally, a job requires professional help because we can't get the tools we need, either through purchase or renting. The pro has already invested in this required technology - and can afford to because they use it repeatedly. Sometimes a DIY project is a no-go, if only because a tool cannot be had.
The last big reason to leave it to the professionals: occasionally, a job is too complex.
Let's face it - we can't know everything. And not all work can be accomplished by watching a few YouTube videos and buying some new tools (although MANY can). The typical examples include medical procedures: backyard brain surgery and bathroom root canals are both terrible ideas. But so too is DIY automatic transmission repair (without heaps of training first).
Expertise is not bestowed; it's earned. And some levels of knowledge are so novel, so specialized, that even the most well-rounded DIYer is ill-equipped. The point is if a job requires hours (or years) of advanced preparation - and you don't have it - it might be time to call a pro.
I pride myself on DIY, so it's challenging to imagine situations where this self-reliance is a bad idea. But they do exist.
By all means, Do-It-Yourself if you can. And if you end up calling a pro, be confident in the decision. After all, knowing when and where to draw the line is another essential skill in your kit - even if it's not the most rewarding one.
Until next time.
JRC
DIY is a great way to have a wonderful day. When the job turns out to bee high quality as the pro. When you step back and say to yourself. “ I did that”
One thing I will never do again is reroof a house.