When to call a handyman and when to DIY
I am never going to tell you to pay someone for a job you can safely do in twenty minutes. But there is a line, and crossing it usually costs more than the original job. Here is how I think about it.
Good jobs to do yourself
Hanging pictures and shelves into studs, replacing tap washers, touching up paint, re-siliconing a shower edge, swapping door handles, mowing and basic garden tidy ups, changing filters and smoke alarm batteries.
These are low risk, reversible and forgiving if you get them slightly wrong. Buy decent tools once and they pay for themselves.
Jobs worth handing over
Anything structural, anything involving waterproofing, anything at height, and anything where a mistake is hidden until it causes damage. Decking, fencing on boundaries, retaining walls, tiling wet areas and carpentry that needs to look sharp all fall here.
Not because they are impossible, but because the finish and the longevity depend on experience and the right tools.
Jobs you must not touch
Electrical work and plumbing beyond a washer or a flexible hose need a licensed trade in Victoria. It is not gatekeeping, it is insurance, safety and legality. Unlicensed work can void your home insurance and cause issues at sale.
A quick test
Ask yourself three questions: can it hurt me, can it flood or burn the house, and will anyone see it every day. If the answer to any of them is yes, get a hand.
If you are unsure about a specific job, send me a photo. I will tell you honestly whether it is a weekend job or a call out.
