I've turned down jobs. Customers call me for something, and I tell them to do it themselves. Here's why - and what those jobs are.
Why I'd Talk Myself Out of Work
The maths: My minimum charge is £60. If I'm telling you something takes 5 minutes and you could easily do it - I'd rather you knew that.
The long game: If I help you save money on small stuff, you'll trust me and call me for the things that genuinely need a professional.
The principle: I like being useful. Taking money for things people could easily do themselves doesn't feel right.
Jobs You Probably Shouldn't Pay For
Changing Light Bulbs
Unless you genuinely cannot safely reach them, this isn't a job.
What you need: Step ladder, new bulb Time: 2 minutes Skill level: None
If it's a high ceiling with awkward access, different story. But a standard height room? Do it yourself.
Bleeding Radiators
People pay me to bleed radiators. It takes 30 seconds per radiator.
What you need: Radiator key (£2), old cloth Time: 5 minutes for a whole house Skill level: Could teach a child
Just watch a YouTube video. It's turnkey anti-clockwise, wait for hiss to stop, close.
Changing Tap Washers (Basic)
If it's a simple traditional tap:
What you need: Adjustable spanner, screwdriver, replacement washer (£1) Time: 15-20 minutes first time Skill level: Easy if you follow instructions
I'd charge £60 minimum for this. The parts cost £1. Just try it.
Unblocking a Toilet (Plunger Job)
Unless something weird's going on:
What you need: Plunger Time: 5 minutes Skill level: Basic
Buy a plunger. They're £10. You'll need one eventually.
Changing Toilet Seats
What you need: Adjustable spanner or screwdriver Time: 10 minutes Skill level: None
Two bolts. That's it. New seats come with instructions.
Simple Flat Pack
A KALLAX shelf unit? A bedside table?
Time: 20-30 minutes Skill level: Follow the pictures
If you have time and patience, simple flat pack isn't worth paying for. Save the money for when you buy a PAX wardrobe.
Changing a Plug
Older generation often replace plugs. It's rare now with moulded plugs, but still:
What you need: Screwdriver Time: 5 minutes Skill level: Very basic (just match the colours to the diagram inside)
Tightening Loose Screws
If a door hinge is loose, a cupboard door needs adjustment, a handle is wobbly:
What you need: Screwdriver Time: 2 minutes per item Skill level: Absolute beginner
Hanging a Single Light Picture
One small picture, one nail or hook:
What you need: Hammer, picture hook Time: 5 minutes Skill level: Basic
Now, if it's a gallery wall of 20 pictures you want perfectly arranged - different job. But one picture? Just do it.
When the Same Job IS Worth Paying For
Context changes things.
Light Bulbs - But High Ceilings
Stairwell with 6-metre drop? Specialist access needed? Yes, hire someone with proper equipment.
Flat Pack - But Complex
IKEA PAX wardrobes, especially with corner units and internal drawers? BRIMNES daybed? That's genuinely time-consuming and frustrating. Worth paying for.
Hanging Pictures - But Lots of Them
One picture = DIY. A gallery wall of 15 pictures at perfect heights and spacing = worth help.
Tap Washer - But It's Seized
Old tap that hasn't been touched in 30 years? Might shear a pipe if you force it. Worth getting someone who knows what they're dealing with.
The Real Calculation
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the tools? If not, would they cost more than hiring someone?
- Do I have the time? Is my weekend worth more than £60?
- Can I do it safely? Is there a real injury risk?
- What happens if I mess up? Minor inconvenience or major problem?
If the answers lean towards "I could do this," you probably should.
What IS Worth Paying For
For balance, here's where professionals genuinely add value:
- Heavy or awkward items (TVs, mirrors, large furniture)
- Complex flat pack (wardrobes, beds, kitchens)
- Multiple jobs at once (efficiency of having someone do them all)
- Anything at height (safety)
- Things requiring diagnosis (when you don't know what's wrong)
- Work needing certification (gas, electrics)
- Precise or visible work (you'll see mistakes every day)
The Phone Call I Appreciate
"Hi, I was going to ask you to do X, but is it actually something I could do myself?"
I'll tell you honestly. And when you do call me for the jobs that make sense, you'll know I'm not there to pad the bill.
Got something that genuinely needs a professional? That's what I'm here for. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.