Seventeen Possible Tasks You Might Not Need to Hire Someone to Complete
Life is filled with tasks to tackle: There's work to accomplish, keeping our abodes clean and well-maintained, attending medical check-ups, feeding ourselves and our families – the list of chores is never-ending. And the sweet satisfaction of crossing something off the list? It's often followed by more tasks. Maintaining pace with all this, and even knowing what needs attention, can be quite overwhelming. That's why we seek relief by outsourcing certain tasks to others. But just because we can pay someone to tackle a job for us doesn't mean it's always prudent. While our skill sets and specific needs vary, there are numerous circumstances when we can save a few pennies and avoid wasting energy by doing it ourselves – or not doing it at all.
Air duct cleaning
If your home is equipped with forced air heating or central air conditioning, you've likely been approached by a salesperson offering air duct cleaning services. The pitch goes something like this: Your HVAC systems will work more efficiently, and your home's air will be healthier, ridding it of disgusting dust and other impurities.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that there is no evidence to suggest that air duct cleaning actually prevents health issues. The only time duct cleaning may provide any noticeable impact is when ducts are absolutely jam-packed with dust or harbor vermin or visible mold. In such cases, DIY duct cleaning is simple and cost-effective – there's no need to shell out up to $1,000 for professional services.
Picture framing
The neighborhood I live in boasts an astounding six frame shops, which leads me to believe that at least one or two of them must be fronts for criminal enterprises. Personally, I've only needed to frame a handful of pictures throughout my whole life, so it's difficult to imagine this is a lucrative line of business.
If you need a picture framed, buying a frame from a big-box store like Target is always a more budget-friendly option. The final product will look the same on your wall regardless of where it was framed, so only consider paying for professional services if your piece has unique dimensions or you're seeking a bespoke frame and presentation.
Roof cleaning
Keeping your roof in good shape is crucial if you want it to last for years to come, which includes cleaning away debris like leaves, branches, and snow, as well as ensuring your gutters are free of obstructions. For many homeowners, tackling these tasks involves hiring a professional or simply neglecting them altogether – a poor decision, indeed.
Cleaning a roof is not something you need to physically ascend for. A simple roof rake and gutter rake can be used to clear most debris with minimal effort and no fear of heights.
Furniture and carpet protection
When purchasing upholstered furniture or new carpeting, retailers often encourage you to purchase a fabric protection plan to shield against stains and damage. While it may seem wise, especially if you have children, it's essentially overpriced insurance you can live without. Instead, invest in a DIY fabric protection spray at a fraction of the cost, and it'll deliver similar results. Furthermore, most stains can be removed with a little elbow grease.
Basement waterproofing
If your basement consistently experiences dampness or standing water, addressing the issue may involve installing a sump pump – a valid solution to drain away water. However, hiring a waterproofing contractor for interior waterproofing might not be the best course of action, as it's addressing a symptom, not the root cause. Interior waterproofing will likely be ineffective because water finds ways to seep into your house, often unpredictably.
For a dry basement, consider addressing the exterior issues like grading the ground around your home, ensuring your gutters are functioning properly, and planting a rain garden to prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
Home warranties
The argument in favor of home warranties is generally born out of economic necessity – you lack the substantial funds to cover major repairs, so purchasing a small monthly warranty seems like a decent option. The average annual cost of a home warranty is $1,049, so it represents a significant investment, and most warranties come with limits and exceptions, reducing the actual coverage you receive. Plus, home warranties may require you to use specific contractors and brands, which often don't deliver top-tier quality. Instead of relying on a warranty, consider setting aside the annual cost as an emergency maintenance fund.
Having a home security setup isn't a bad choice; there's proof that they effectively act as deterrents, as professional burglars typically aim to avoid any additional effort. However, law enforcement response can be sluggish, and they often have a high rate of false alarms. Smart doorbells equipped with cameras serve a similar purpose as traditional home security systems for potential intruders and provide a variety of additional perks, such as identifying who's at your door and observing their actions. If you're after a complete home security system, there are powerful, no-cost alternatives that deliver the main deterrence advantage without the ongoing service charge.
In the context of air duct cleaning, it's wise to save money by cleaning the ducts yourself when they are severely clogged with dust or harbor vermin or visible mold. However, if professional services are sought, it's only necessary when the expense justifies the potential benefits.
Regarding furniture and carpet protection, investing in a DIY fabric protection spray can offer similar results to purchasing a pricey protection plan from a retailer, saving you money in the long run.
