I grew up watching my dad fix everything. Clogged sink? He was there with a wrench. Broken fence? A Saturday project. Calling someone else felt like admitting defeat, like you couldn’t manage basic adult tasks.
Now, living in Venice Beach, things are different.
Recently, my partner suggested we get someone to check a flickering light. My first instinct was to YouTube it. But then it hit me: everyone here calls professionals for what my dad would’ve fixed before breakfast.
This isn’t about being lazy. It’s about valuing time over money. Here are seven home repairs that show you’re in the upper middle class, where the first move is to hire a pro.
### 1) Electrical Work
As a kid, my dad tackled most electrical issues with confidence. But some things—like the electrical panel—were off-limits. In upper middle-class homes, calling an electrician isn’t about skill; it’s about safety. A neighbor once told me, “Just call someone; it’ll cost a couple hundred.” When money isn’t devastating, the decision gets easy.
### 2) Appliance Repairs
YouTube has a fix for everything. I’ve seen videos on how to mend a washing machine. But if it’s complicated? I won’t bother. The upper middle class simply calls someone if a repair isn’t minor. I remember my partner’s parents questioning why we didn’t just fix the washing machine ourselves. For us, it was worth the cost to avoid hassle.
### 3) Plumbing Issues
I can handle a clogged drain, but serious plumbing problems? Forget it. Water damage can be costly. Upper middle-class homeowners understand that it’s smarter to let a pro handle it. Research shows that people with more resources often avoid risks. They’re more likely to hire professionals to manage valuable possessions.
### 4) HVAC Maintenance
Growing up, my dad fixed our air conditioner himself. Now, in my building, maintenance is included in the rent. The mindset has changed. Professionals handle HVAC systems, which require specialized knowledge. A friend was shocked to learn my dad used to maintain our furnace. The culture is different now.
### 5) Roof and Gutter Work
Working on a roof is risky. Upper middle-class families hire professionals, framing it as a matter of efficiency. Why spend a weekend on a ladder when you can pay someone? In the past, my parents would tackle this themselves. Now, it’s about valuing time over effort.
### 6) Painting
Painting seems straightforward—buy the supplies and spend a weekend transforming a room. But those with means often hire painters instead. It’s not about difficulty; it’s about opportunity cost. For many, it’s worth paying someone else to get the job done quickly, allowing them to use their time for other pursuits.
### 7) Landscaping
Yard work used to be a weekend task. Today, many hire landscapers to maintain and design their outdoor spaces. This demonstrates a commitment to the property and a willingness to invest in its appearance. I’ve seen my partner’s parents turn their yard into a magazine-worthy space. They could do it themselves, but they choose not to.
### Conclusion
These choices come down to priorities and resources. My dad had different constraints. For him, fixing things was a point of pride. In my current world, calling an expert shows wisdom. The shift from DIY to delegation is more than just finances; it reflects how we value our time and approach home maintenance.
Both views have merit. Understanding where you stand can illuminate the subtle ways class influences our choices.
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