The merits of DIY projects are plentiful. For one, they can be emotionally rewarding. They can also unlock our creativity. They can even save us money if we do them right.
In this stay-at-home era, many of us have dabbled into DIY projects that have led to full-blown hobbies. You have your new plant parents, your budding bakers, and even your beginner woodworkers.
There are things, however, that are best left with the professionals. There is nothing wrong at all with trying to do things yourself, but for more specialized tasks, it’s best to turn them over to the workers who have mastered their craft for years. It’s safer and sometimes more economical, and you’d be supporting their livelihoods, too.
So how do you know if a task is for the pros or something you take on yourself?
Your Garden
The size of the project can determine whether it’s for the pros or it’s a take-it-on.
It’s a take-it-on if: You’re just thinking of adding a couple of new plants to your garden or decorating your balcony with some flowers.
Gardening is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can take up. You don’t necessarily have to grow fruit-bearing plants to reap the benefits of raising a small garden. There are many grow kits available in the market for you to start with. It can be very stress-relieving, and there’s nothing quite like seeing a seed you’ve sown grow into an actual living plant!
It’s for the pros if: It involves major landscaping or exotic plant species.
Apart from the fact that digging up your entire backyard will require more than one set of hands, there are many specialized knowledge and skills needed in choosing the right plants and materials for such a big undertaking.
You will also need to know if the plant species you’re planning to bring into your garden are permitted for entry by the government.
Your Clothes
It’s a take-it-on if: You’re doing basic cleaning jobs, such as handwashing a stained shirt, or simple repairs, such as sewing loose buttons. Some jobs may require a little more elbow grease, but you can definitely take them on. Just make sure to read the care label for the appropriate cleaning and drying methods.
It’s for the pros if: The job requires specialized cleaning or repairs. We’re not just talking about wedding gowns here. Sure, shearing off the cuffs of your jeans for a rugged look is fine, but dress pants are best left with a tailor.
Coats, blazers, and leather jackets need to be sent out for proper cleaning. In some of these instances, it is essential that you send them to your nearest dry cleaners because doing it on your own may actually ruin your clothes.
Your Furniture
It’s a take-it-on if: It’s a simple repair like gluing together a broken lampshade or maybe even repainting a side table. Some furniture projects are more for aesthetics and don’t require specialized carpentry skills. These are the types of furniture jobs that are safe enough for practically anyone to do.
It’s for the pros if: You want to save your fingers or other appendages. Some pieces of furniture are best left with the pros, especially if the danger level is high. Unless you excelled in shop class, you might want to skip it if it requires anything more than basic hammering and sawing. Safety first!
Your Food
It’s a take-it-on if: You want to cook it. When it comes to food, there’s very little that should stop you from trying out new recipes and learning new kitchen skills. The only real danger here is probably poor knife skills and burning your food. Otherwise, go take it on!
It’s for the pros if: The stakes are high. Maybe you need a huge themed cake for a big bash. Maybe you want to serve a dish from foreign cuisine for the first time. It might be better to learn from the pros first before you take them on yourself in these situations.
With the continued rise of the home improvement sector, you’re not the only one looking to DIY. At the end of the day, the only thing that should stand in your way would be safety. Yes, hiring professionals ensures quality results while supporting small and local businesses. But if you’re confident that taking on the task is something that won’t do you or anyone else any harm, then, by all means, take it on! It’s another way for you to grow as a person.
If, however, the skills needed will spell the difference between safety and a mishap, weigh the cons and turn to the pros.
