My husband recently decided to fix a leak in our daughters' bathroom on his own to save us money. He is not a plumber, a contractor or even a handyman by profession -- he is an economist. To his credit, though, he grew up in one of the former Soviet republics where everything was in short supply and learned from his dad had to fix almost anything with almost anything. He's tackled many projects around our home, but I wasn't sure his MacGyver-like skills (remember that '80s TV character?) would help him solve this problem or turn it into a major disaster.
I shouldn't have doubted him. Within a couple of hours, he replaced the leaking pipe and saved us -- by his estimate -- at least $200.
Now, I'm not suggesting that anyone can fix plumbing problems. But before you turn to Angie's List to find a professional to tackle your next repair, consider whether you can do it yourself. Here are tips from some of our favorite personal finance bloggers that can help you decide whether to DIY or hire a pro.
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You Can Learn to Do It Yourself [Well Kept Wallet]
"Whether it’s on home repairs, car repairs or nearly anything else, if you’re willing to take the time to learn how to DIY it, not only are you teaching yourself a valuable skill, but your bank account will show the rewards of your efforts in fine form."
3 Simple DIY Projects That Will Save You Money [Yes I Am Cheap]
"With all of the help out there online, there is certainly enough information to learn how a project is done, and that DIY project can typically be completed with ease and for an incredibly minimal expense."
DIY Tips for Any Project [Financially Blonde]
"I would like to share my top ten DIY tips, things you should do to make your own DIY projects go better."
5 DIY Projects That Will Cost You More in the Long Run [Money Under 30]
"Some jobs should be left to the pros. If you’re feeling confident about your DIY skills, you should read this before you leave yourself with a flooded house or gnarled hairdo."
4 Times You Should Splurge and Hire a Pro [Wise Bread]
"There are times that you can lose more than you save by risking to do the job yourself. Here are four scenarios in which is best to hire a pro."
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