We live in a time that makes it so easy to do things yourself. From fixing a faucet to putting on a new roof, you can find a video that will show you how to do it. The question is, should you? There is no steadfast yes or no answer.
Some things to consider when starting a do it yourself home repair or project. First you need to ask yourself if you have the time to start and complete the project. There is nothing worse than a half fixed/completed project. While you may not mind having to lift the top of toilet tank to get it to flush, I can assure you that anyone living in or visiting your home with not find it amusing.
You also need to consider if attempting the repair/project will put anyone at risk. It is not worth saving the $200 to $300 you would have to pay a professional if the book shelf you thought could be constructed out of balsam wood and cinder blocks, because you saw it on HGTV and now you must do it, falls and injures the family pet. Take the time to do the research and make sure what you are planning to do is a good idea and feasible.
Be wary of cheap materials that are constructed with the idea that if it breaks you can just get a new one. They don’t usually last very long and you can find yourself with a recurring project that costs way more than if you had paid a professional in the first place. There is something to be said for supplies that are made well and made to last. The better made items are usually more expensive initially but can be fixed and well worth it in the long run.
Know your limits. If you do not know a Philips head from a flat head screw driver maybe home repair projects are not for you. That’s not to say that you cannot learn but take the time to do that. You can create a situation where the professional you must call spends more time correcting your mistake than actually fixing the initial problem because you got in over your head.
And always remember that if it has the potential to blow up, flood your house or electrocute you, it’s probably best to just leave it to the person with the license.