When is it time to call a professional
 

With all the information on DIY, do you ever call in a professional. If so, when is the time to make that call? What needs to happen to your on your project in order for you to decide it is time to call in the professional and how is a professional considered a professional anyhow.

A Pool "Professional" Story
 

We moved into a house with a pool that needed attention. I had little children and didn't want to deal with whatever had to be done. I called a pool "professional", who showed up for the price he had quoted on the phone and proceeded to tell me what I, personally, had to do get the pool into shape.

He informed me that his role was to tell me what to do and not to do the work.

FYI to anyone planning to call a professional: Ask if they plan to do the work or just tell you how to do it :)

A Pool "Professional" Story
 

Nothing like falling short on the project. I have found this same type of problem and worse. I cannot believe that they quote you a price and they do not tell you that this does not include any work. After all you are calling them and asking because you need the work done.

What Makes A Professional A Professional
 

For some jobs, of course, a professional must be licensed. For other jobs, someone who has done one type of work or another for a number of years could be called a professional.

There may be some people who haven't worked at one type of work but who are very skilled at it. I guess they could call themselves "professionals" too.

Electrical and plumbing people have to be licensed. Then there are professional companies (like landscaping companies) who don't hire professionals to do the work. Of course, there's also your basic "lawn guy".

It's time to call in the proffessionals when you are totally honest with yourself and admit that you really can't do the job. :D

Seriously, there are certain jobs that I would never do myself. If the work involves altering/removing any supporting walls or anything to do with the roof, eg; tile replacement or removing a chimmney stack, I would call in a specialist. Also as i'm a "pussy" where electricity is involved, I always ask someone else to do it. Hey I like my hair straight. :o

Professionals are:

1. business persons who do what they do for a living
2. consistently update their trade knowledge, skills, and equipment - products, new trends, new technology, new tools, etc.
3. law abiding - eg. license, insurance, etc.
4. respected since they maintain a certain level of ethics with regard to what they do

It is almost impossible to meet someone the 1st time and be able to determine whether they are pros or not. Until there are better legislations like the ways doctors and lawyers are certified, the best way to get professional renovators is through referral.

Being a very frustrated professional renovator for 10 years, I totally understand that there are people in the industry just there for the $$. Perhaps one day a true referral network will be created and let the true professionals stand a bloody chance to survive.