Author Topic: To let the Plumber do the Plumbing (Read 1579 times)

MaterDominici · « **on:** July 05, 2010, 06:15:52 PM »

When a skill is called for to perform a necessary task, which are you inclined to do?

A. Pull out the "how to" manual and take on the job yourself

B. Set aside the necessary funds through working in your own trade to hire someone who makes their livelihood in doing such a task

This can apply to auto mechanics, construction, sewing, electrical, etc, etc ... pretty much anything. Also consider things where "B" is the widely accepted choice -- shoe making, vegetable growing, medical services.

I'm not thinking of extremely small or large jobs here, but the sort that are certainly outside your capability without some sort of insturction such as a reference book.

If you generally choose one option over the other, why? What considerations do you make before deciding?

Although it seems unlikely to me, has anyone ever written something authoritative along these lines? Is it in any way better to specialize or to diversify your skills?

Alexandria · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:22:11 PM »

I tell my husband.

He can do anything and everything. I kid you not. The only thing he can't do is fix transmissions.

Alexandria · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:25:37 PM »

Oooh, look everyone!

My 1000th post is one of my popular profound ones! And I didn't even plan it that way! I'll take it as a hint to myself......

MyrnaM · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:27:19 PM »

:roll-laugh1:

Trinity · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:43:15 PM »

You should be a politician, Alexandria. :roll-laugh2:

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:54:45 PM »

Quote from: Alexandria

I tell my husband.

He can do anything and everything. I kid you not. The only thing he can't do is fix transmissions.

I tell my father.
He can do anything and everything.

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2010, 06:56:28 PM »

But if I had to choose one of the two options personally, then it would depend on the job, my moods, state of health and how much busy I would be at the time.

CathMomof7 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2010, 08:39:46 AM »

Mostly my husband does it. Over the years he has gained a lot of confidence in these small tasks. Why pay someone "skilled" when you can do it yourself for half the cost? There's only one job that my DH won't attempt--that's repairing anything related to our gas furnace. For that, we call a professional--who, by the way, charged us for 2 days worth of work and several parts when the actual part cost $51 and could have been installed in less than an hour. Just saying....

JoanScholastica · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2010, 03:51:22 AM »

If there's no one able to do it, perhaps it's better to do A.

Then I guess if I made it wrong, at least I lent a hand.

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2010, 04:44:57 AM »

Personally I think many high quality gadgets and home equipments don't worth the pain of cleaning, repairing and maintemance. Almost everybody disagrees though!
For example, a gadget used for cleaning cabinets only makes this job more difficult, while it itself needs to be cleaned too. So if an item can't be repaired by ordinary means, I prefer to get rid of it.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2010, 08:24:00 AM »

Recently my husband, if he can't fix it, it runs to the internet, and googles the problem finds instructions or some forum talking about the problem and B I N G O! Fixed