Smart Solutions for Home Repair Dillemas

By Richard Warner

I have been an investor and landlord for 5 years. When I got my official real estate license, I started as a First Time Homebuyer Specialist and have since received specialization certifications in Luxury Homes, Probate, and Divorce.

Should you call a contractor when doing home repairs? Every homeowner should have a list of people they can call if something goes wrong and they don’t have the skills or time to fix it themselves.

You would think it would be as easy as googling electricians if you have an electrical problem. The service technicians are in such high demand that they just don’t need your business. In many cases, they don’t want it.

If you need something more of an odd job, like a door installation, there’s not really a specialist for that. A Google search for door installation will probably return results for window companies and garage door opener technicians, and they’re going to charge you $2,000 to put on a $300 door. So, who are you going to call?

But seriously, let’s break it down into three simple steps.

1. Build your list and treat it like gold. You need to get yourself a list of reliable pros and don’t let go of it. Finding good help these days feels like a Bigfoot sighting. Make a post on your neighborhood Facebook page or Nextdoor.com for recommendations. When you do find someone who actually answers the phone, shows up on time, and doesn’t nickel and dime you, hang on to them like they’re Taylor Swift tickets. If you have a teenage daughter at home, she’s probably mad at you.

Send a thank you card after every job and maybe even a holiday card once a year. It’s a small gesture, but it might just mean the difference between “Sure, I can come next week” and “Who are you again?”

2. Get handy. DIY can save you a ton of cash. And let’s face it, nothing feels cooler than saying, “I built that.” Just don’t let a quick YouTube tutorial convince you you’re suddenly an expert plumber or electrician.

Here’s the deal: if your fix involves water spraying everywhere, lights that flicker like a haunted house, or gas lines that make you nervous, it’s time to call a professional. There’s no shame in admitting your limits. Disclaimer: I am not a contractor, and this is not professional advice. If your sink explodes or your ceiling caves in, I’m here for moral support, but you’re on your own with that.

3. Match the right pro to the right job. Not every project requires a contractor. If you need a quick repair, like fixing a door or installing a ceiling fan, call a handyman. They’re affordable, and they can handle a variety of small jobs.

Now, if you’re dealing with appliances, breaking down a home warranty is a smart move. They cost about $600 to $800 a year, but they cover most appliance repairs or replacements for $100 a pop. That’s a flat fee of $100 anytime you make a claim, usually covered for the whole year. Imagine your fridge quits—boom! The warranty saves the day.

Not all warranties are great, so call me if you want help finding the good ones. For big stuff like adding a room, knocking down walls, or any kind of structural change, you want a general contractor. These folks are like the orchestra conductor for your renovation; they coordinate everything so it doesn’t turn into a disaster. Just don’t call them to hang a picture frame unless you’re ready for a $1,000 bill and a lecture on the importance of drywall anchors.

At the end of the day, whether you’re hiring a handyman, a specialist, or bringing in a contractor, the trick is knowing exactly who you are going to call.

Build your list and nurture relationships, and you won’t have to spend days getting estimates or worrying about getting overcharged for shady work. If you’re brave enough to DIY, just remember: some lessons are better learned before the ceiling falls in.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Let me simplify it for you. Call me before you Google or go in person. I’ve got your back, and I’ve got your next reliable pro ready to go. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to reach out to me at (502) 338-2861 or rich@howtoaffordhomes.com.