Have you considered handling that home repair project by yourself?
You’re not alone. Americans who completed at least one DIY project during the last year account for nearly 70% of the population and 47% did so because professional services were too expensive.
But here’s the problem…
Hiring a Chicago Handyman or another skilled professional helps you conserve both your time and money and prevents unnecessary frustration later on.
This article teaches you how to decide when to tackle projects yourself and when to hire professionals so that you always choose the best option.
What’s In The Toolbox:
- The True Cost of DIY: Money, Time, and Frustration
- When to Tackle DIY Projects Yourself
- 5 Warning Signs You Need a Professional Handyman
- How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Project
- Making the Final Decision: DIY or Pro?
The True Cost of DIY: Money, Time, and Frustration
Think DIY always saves money? Think again.
DIY projects can be half as expensive as professional work yet Americans spent an average of $804 on their latest project with total DIY expenses reaching $1,674 in previous years.
The true expenses of DIY work extend well beyond financial expenses.
- Time investment: DIY projects often take much longer than expected, with 27% of DIY-ers regretting their project because it took too long
- Stress factor: 56% of Americans find DIY projects stressful, with the highest stress among earners over $100,000
- Quality concerns: 32% of people who attempted DIY regretted it because the project didn’t turn out correctly
Here’s the kicker…
The explosive growth of the handyman services industry stems from the high demand for help among homeowners. The market reached $390.9 million in 2023 but experts expect it to expand to $1.8 billion by 2033.
Why such growth? The handyman services industry grows because 80% of American households require such services annually.
When to Tackle DIY Projects Yourself
DIY isn’t always a bad idea. Numerous home improvement projects are well-suited for a DIY approach.
Here’s when to roll up your sleeves:
- Simple, low-risk tasks: Painting a room, replacing cabinet hardware, or installing shelving
- Projects you’ve successfully completed before: If you’ve done it once with good results, you can likely do it again
- When you have the right tools: Some projects only require basic tools you already own
- When you have time to spare: If you’re not on a tight deadline and can take your time
- When mistakes are easily fixable: Some projects allow for do-overs without major consequences
The most suitable DIY projects offer learning opportunities while keeping home damage and personal injury risks minimal.
Think painting, decorating, and basic yard work. These tasks require time but pose minimal risk and yield personal satisfaction when completed independently.
5 Warning Signs You Need a Professional Handyman
Not every project is DIY-friendly. These warning signs indicate when it is time to call in professional help.
- The project involves permits or codes: Building regulations demand that all electrical, plumbing, and structural work obtain necessary permits.
- Safety risks are involved: Projects that include gas lines, significant electrical work, or structural modifications pose safety hazards when performed improperly.
- Specialized tools are required: When a project requires costly tools that you’ll utilize only once you may find it financially advantageous to employ a professional.
- The project affects home value: Resale value impacts from projects require professional-level workmanship.
- You’ve tried and failed: Professionals have the ability to quickly resolve issues you’ve encountered while working on the project.
Remember this:
Home renovation projects spiked by 57% in 2020 which led to a high demand for handyman services while approximately one-fourth of U.S. homes experienced maintenance backlogs. Professional help is essential for anyone facing similar issues.
How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Project
How can you select the most suitable professional after making the decision to hire one? Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Identify which category of professional matches your project needs because different handymen possess distinct capabilities. Various professionals focus on carpentry while others concentrate on plumbing or electrical work. Ensure you select someone who has previous experience working on your exact project type.
Step 2: Check credentials and reviews.
Look for:
- Proper licensing (where required)
- Insurance coverage
- Positive online reviews
- Portfolio of similar completed projects
Step 3: Professional handyman rates average $55 per hour but can differ significantly based on various factors.
- Your location
- Project complexity
- The professional’s experience level
Step 4: Always ask these questions before hiring a professional.
- What duration do they anticipate completing the project in?
- Whether they provide a written estimate
- If they guarantee their work
- What happens if you’re not satisfied
Step 5: A reliable professional demonstrates openness to communication and answers all client questions. If something feels off, keep looking.
Making the Final Decision: DIY or Pro?
You’re undecided about whether to do the project yourself or hire a professional? Consider these factors for your final decision:
Budget reality check:
- DIY projects can become expensive when you take into account the cost of tools and materials along with the possibility of making mistakes.
- DIY projects typically cost $804 on average while professional hourly rates may prove to be a better financial option.
Time considerations:
- Carefully evaluate the amount of time you can realistically dedicate.
- 27% of DIY enthusiasts experience regret because their projects took longer than expected.
Skill assessment:
- Be realistic about your abilities
- Build your skills with smaller projects before moving on to larger ones
Project importance:
- How visible or important is this project?
- Will this project impact both the value of your home and its safety standards?
Stress factor:
- A majority of Americans experience stress when working on DIY projects
- Decide if the fulfillment you gain from finishing a project justifies the stress you experience.
Approximately 42% of DIY project participants express regret about their work because it was incorrect (32%), overly time-consuming (27%), excessively expensive (17%), or visually unappealing (14%).
Nearly 50% of all DIY projects result in regret for those who attempted them.
The DIY Bottom Line
DIY projects offer opportunities for enjoyment while teaching valuable skills and occasionally saving money. It’s essential to determine the right moment for hiring a professional handyman.
Since 42% of DIYers regret their projects while 80% of households require professional handyman services each year it shows both methods have their appropriate uses.
Evaluating each project with respect to its complexity level and safety risks alongside your own expertise and available time allows you to make informed choices between working with your tools and hiring professional assistance.
Final Tools in the Box
Whether you choose DIY or professional help, the goal remains the same: completing home projects safely and efficiently.
This quick checklist will guide you through your decision-making process:
DIY if:
- The project is simple and low-risk
- You have the necessary skills and tools
- The time you have available is sufficient to complete the project correctly
- Mistakes won’t be costly or dangerous
- You enjoy the learning process
Call a professional if:
- The project requires permits or specialized skills
- Safety concerns exist
- Specialized tools are needed
- The project affects your home’s value
- Time is limited or the job is urgent
Never feel embarrassed about seeking professional assistance. The need for professional handymen services continues to rise because almost half of DIY home projects cause frustration and the handyman market is expanding swiftly.
This guide will help you decide whether to start a home repair or improvement project yourself or to call a professional handyman.
