We live in a world where it’s possible to outsource anything and everything to other people. Leveraging outside resources can certainly help you get more done faster, but are we selling our industrious souls for the sake of convenience? Using the “do it yourself” (DIY) approach might work for you if you’re willing to be creative.

Sure, there might be some jobs that are just too downright dirty or large to attempt.  But what about the everyday things? Things like mowing the lawn, unclogging drains, random home repairs and such. Are those jobs too monotonous or routine to handle on our own?  Or what if it’s something you’ve never done, but you believe you can figure it out?  Do you still need to call for service?

DIY projects save money

As a homeowner, I’ve managed to save a significant amount of money by fixing things solo.  I’ve tackled many tasks for which I had no prior experience.  Fixing a shower valve, installing a new garbage disposal and replacing the condenser fan unit inside my refrigerator are just a few challenges I’ve decided to conquer on my own.

Regarding monetary benefit, my DIY solutions have panned out. Take my fridge for example.  Before I started the task, I barely knew what a condenser fan unit even was.  All I knew was that our refrigerator was making a terrible grinding sound.  Fearing that I’d either need to replace the whole thing or pay for an expensive repair, I started some exploratory research to figure out what was going on.  I could see from taking the front grill off the bottom of the appliance, that the noise only happened when the fan was moving.

I googled “Whirlpool refrigerator fan.”  The first result that popped up was a YouTube video explaining how to replace the condenser fan unit inside a Whirlpool refrigerator.  The second result was an Amazon.com link that took me straight to where I could order it.  Free Prime shipping included.  Total cost for the repair:  $65.39.  Compared to $350, which the appliance repair company quoted me, I’d say I came out alright.  If I had gone with my first inclination, I would have spent nearly $4,500 for a brand-new refrigerator.

DIY builds character

Keeping snow off the walks and driveway all winter, then mowing grass the rest of the year is a lot of work.  It seems never to end. You could say the same thing about almost anything. Dishes, laundry, washing your car. Just remember, it’s in the thick of hard things you develop the innate ability to manage difficult tasks.  Persisting in the face of difficulty makes you care more.  It drives you to perfect the art in whatever you’re doing.  Therefore, it’s natural to try to be better and better each time you do it.

DIY promotes independence

When you learn new things, you become adept.  You become capable of fixing things on your own, which is liberating.  Getting into the habit of being a fix-it first-responder will boost your confidence to take on many other new challenges.   You will amaze yourself at how much you can do.

Problems, if left unattended, might become more severe.  If you don’t take care of them yourself, they will wait until someone else does.  Some proactivity on your part can save you from experiencing much bigger issues down the road.

Build trust

Let’s face it; skills impress!  Having some handyman know-how can build rapport with others.  Significant others usually see craftsmanship ability as an extremely attractive trait. If you have kids, nothing exemplifies good work ethic like good old-fashioned manual labor.  Furthermore, teaching children to properly use tools and finish tasks equips them to enter the workforce being more prepared and capable.

Summary

If this all sounds great but you don’t know where to get started, some web sites and resources provide helpful guidance to accomplish any task.

1. YouTube (Search for anything)
2. Instructables (Step-by-step tutorials)
3. DIYNetwork.com (Home-related projects)
4. Home Depot (Workshops & in-person guidance)