Know your skills. Know when to call the professional.
I get it. Every single one of us is a know-it-all when it comes to our real estate and home renovations thanks to TV and the Internet. I’m sure for some it’s super easy and straightforward to micromanage your largest investment getting ripped apart and put back together while maintaining everyday life. Floors, Walls, HVAC, Plumbing, Electric, Appliances, Hardware, Lighting, Countertops, Furniture…there’s more. You own all these things. Especially when they break. There’s this insane adrenaline rush that comes when you first get those new keys. All of a sudden, I was ready to break things and change things and build things. Once that fog cleared and small factors came into play, like cost, and I have absolutely no idea how to fix the disposal let alone figure out which wall is load bearing. So, I called the person who does. I’m okay with it.
I’m not saying not to try new things, we don’t stifle creativity in our household BUT I’m saying it’s important to your limitations. Researching is not just a tool we learn in school to study or write papers. Research is the best way to come up with the best, most efficient answer to your problem. Failures make room for success. So, after researching your task and understanding your own personal limitations, decide whether it’s time to consult a professional or tackle that project yourself. Do your research. Get quotes, ask questions and learn what works best for you and your life to make it happen. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and you’ll find a new passion in a new task, but don’t be a hero and get yourself hurt because you’re too proud to recognize when you may need help.