Should I Do It Myself or Hire Someone?

Every homeowner faces this question eventually. You've got a leaky faucet, a door that won't latch, or a ceiling fan that needs to be replaced — and you're standing in the hardware aisle wondering if you should just handle it yourself. I get asked this a lot, and my honest answer is: sometimes you should absolutely do it yourself. But sometimes you really shouldn't, and knowing the difference can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Start with an honest skills check

Not every job requires a pro. If you're comfortable with basic tools, patient enough to watch a tutorial, and the worst-case scenario is a minor inconvenience — go for it. Hanging a TV, patching a small drywall hole, or replacing a doorknob are all reasonable DIY projects for someone with a little confidence and a free Saturday.

Where it gets tricky is when the job looks simple but isn't. A door that won't latch might just need the strike plate adjusted — or it might be telling you something about your foundation or frame. A faucet that drips might be an $8 washer — or it might be corroded supply lines hiding inside the wall. Experience helps you tell the difference. Misreading it can turn a $150 repair into a $600 one.

Think about your time honestly

Time is real money, especially if you're working full-time or running your own household. A job that takes us an hour might take a first-timer half a day or longer — not because they're doing anything wrong, but because they've never done it before. That's not a criticism. It's just how new skills work. If your Saturday is already spoken for, it's worth asking whether the savings are actually worth what you're trading.

When I'd tell you to hire someone

There are a few situations where I'd always recommend calling a pro, even if the job seems manageable:

-Anything involving electrical or water — mistakes here can be catastrophic. Remember: “just because it works, doesn’t necessarily mean it was done right.”

-Jobs that require a permit — unpermitted work can cause real problems when you sell your home. You can always pull a homeowner permit, but you’re responsible for making sure the job is done right.

-Anything on a ladder above one story — falls are the number one cause of serious home improvement injuries.

-Projects where "good enough" isn't good enough — if it's visible, structural, or something a buyer will notice, quality matters.

When I'd tell you to do it yourself

Honestly? Quite often. A confident homeowner with the right tools and a good tutorial can handle more than they think. I'd rather you feel empowered than dependent on a service call for every small thing. If you call me and I think it's something you can reasonably handle, I'll tell you.

The bottom line

Hire someone when the risk of getting it wrong is high, when your time is genuinely tight, or when the job requires tools or knowledge you don't have. Do it yourself when the stakes are low, the learning curve is manageable, and you've got the time to do it right.

And if you're not sure? A quick phone call or photo sent to a local handyman can usually answer the question in two minutes — no obligation required.

Dad's Handyman CoS serves homeowners throughout the Colorado Springs area. Have a project you're not sure about? Reach out — we're happy to point you in the right direction.