Quote:
Originally Posted by Robyn55
People can go on line and try to figure out how to write their own wills and the like. But - unless they're young/single/without kids/don't have any money/etc. (the legal equivalent of changing a light bulb) - most would be better off with a professional than trying to DIY. Because it isn't what you think you know - it's not knowing what you should know to do a job properly.
I think the internet is great for lots of stuff. Like getting recipes. Worst that can happen there is you wind up having to toss a lousy meal. But things that can cause fires - or flooding in your house (or winding up with entirely intended consequences if you or a loved one dies in the absence of a proper will)? I think there's a place for professionals in this world - in many areas. As much stuff as there is on line - the pros know it and 100x more - and actually know how to do stuff (whether with their hands or with words). FWIW - the area that causes me to shake my head the most when it comes to "internet learning" is medicine - an area where the adage "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" seems to flourish. Robyn
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In another life I was a consumer arbitrator and have seen first hand a number of times pros have screwed up a car repair or home improvement projects.
Sometimes it was as simple as cutting corners, sometimes sloppy and sometimes outright dishonest.
A competent handyman or pro is certainly an option... just wish having a license would guarantee a quality job...
Most of the contractor issues were because the "Pro" didn't follow manufacturers installation or procedures...like a high end Designer II solariam floor was full of wrinkles and air pockets... the pro with 15 years experience decided to use the adhesive he had on hand rather than buy what was required.
As to the net... last weekend the Heater Core in my vehicle started to leak inside the car... local shop ballparked it at $500 minimum to R & R.
I looked it up on the net and found several step by step U-tube Videos of the process... after watching one of the 10 minute presentations... I decided to give it a try.
I went with OEM and the shop quoted after market. OEM was $90 for the part and made in USA and aftermarket cost $40 and made in China.
Total job, from start to finish with a few basic hand tools... 45 minutes.
A simple do it yourself project is entry locks... for the cost of a locksmith rekey... a home owner can buy a new lock often of comparable or better quality.
Another is replacing a window pane... a few weeks ago, I simply did not have time when a tenant called about a broken window... I called a shop that does quality work... he was booked and said he could be there at 11 the next morning...
At 11:15 I get a call saying he can't do the job because the tenant is difficult and won't let him in the house... he wants me to drive over which I can't... that evening I go by and pop out the window from the outside and have the hardware sell me a $25 piece of glass and done... glass man was going to charge $140 which would have been OK if I didn't have to be involved...
I spent $375 for a professional 35' hand held cable snake to clear drains... typical rooter house call runs a minum of $95 up to $150... for the cost of a couple of service calls I bought the machine and can clear a drain on my schedule vs waiting around for someone to show up...
Like the little hand held so much, I invested in a Spartan 300 professional Cable Machine which set me back $2500... it too has paid for itself over a couple of years and the conveniece factor is priceless... then again my brother says now that you have the machine... no excuse not to get dirty which is another topic...
When I was around 10 my Dad gave me
Ortho's Home Improvement Encyclopedia and
Reader's Digest Home Repair... still have both on my book shelf. The information is there if one has the motivation.