Should You Fix It or Call Someone? A Dad’s Flowchart
You spot a drip, a rattle, or a suspicious electrical smell.
And immediately, the internal monologue begins:
Can I fix this? Should I fix this? How much is this gonna cost?
Some stuff is easy. Some stuff is dangerous. And some stuff will definitely turn into a bigger mess if you pretend it’s fine.
Here’s a practical, judgment-free guide for when to grab a wrench—and when to grab your phone.
🧰 The Golden Rule of DIY: Know Your Limits
Repeat after me:
“I am handy enough to fix what I understand—and humble enough to call when I don’t.”
If it involves gas, live electrical, or roof work during wind advisories—call someone.
Everything else? Let’s walk through it.
🧱 Quick Fixes You Can (Probably) Handle
A running toilet
A clogged sink
Loose cabinet doors
Swapping out outlet covers or light switches
Patching small drywall holes
Replacing a leaky faucet
Painting (unless it’s a 20-foot ceiling on a ladder made in 1983)
If you're comfortable watching one or two YouTube videos and following safety basics—you got this.
📌 Download our [DIY Fix-It Flowchart] for a printable decision tree you can keep in your garage or toolbox.
🚧 Stuff to Call a Pro For (No Shame)
Anything electrical you don’t fully understand
HVAC repair
Major plumbing (sewer lines, water heater installs)
Structural repairs
Gas lines or appliances
Mold, asbestos, or mystery smells
📌 Pro tip: Ask for referrals. The guy who fixed your neighbor’s leak without upselling a new roof? That’s your guy.
🔧 Dad Hack: Try the “20-Minute Rule”
Before calling anyone:
Give yourself 20 minutes to research and assess
Can you clearly name the problem?
Do you know the tools required?
Do you have a step-by-step source you trust?
If yes—go for it. If not—call before you cause more damage.
🖨️ Free Download: Fix-It or Phone-It Flowchart
Includes:
Common home problems and who should handle them
Signs you’re in over your head
Tools checklist for DIY confidence
Emergency contact list space
[Download the flowchart →]
❓ FAQs
What if I try to fix it and mess it up?
Happens to the best of us. Call a pro and tell them what you tried. They’ve seen worse.
Is it cheaper to DIY everything?
Sometimes. But factoring in time, tools, and potential damage—not always.
How do I find a good repair person?
Ask neighbors, local Facebook groups, or hardware store staff. Skip the first Google ad.
🧪 What to Try This Weekend
Pick one thing you’ve been avoiding (leaky sink, crooked door, etc.)
Use the [Fix-It Flowchart] to decide: tackle or outsource?
Learn the first step—even if you don’t fix it, now you understand it
Being a handy dad doesn’t mean doing everything.
It means knowing when to act, when to ask, and how to protect your weekend in the process.
Confidence is knowing how to fix it—or who to call when you can’t.
