Another option is to simply LEARN how to do the work yourself, as 95% of the jobs can be done by the home/auto owner alone. Of course you need tools, but they cost next to nothing. And unlike even 10 years ago, you can cheat now, by watching Youtube for just about any repair (something I refuse to do).
I’ve met klutzes that cannot learn such skills to save their lives.
And of course, for bigger jobs, you had better have some loyal friends or strong family members.
” And unlike even 10 years ago, you can cheat now, by watching Youtube for just about any repair (something I refuse to do).”
This is NOT cheating - except that you are cheating yourself. The Internet is a tool, like any other - a wrench, a saw,a a ruler, or a textbook. I’ve done things that I’ve learned how to (successfully) do things that I couldn’t even have imagined doing 20 years ago with what I’ve read and seen on it.
Of course, you DO have to separate out the “garbage” from the gold...