Call the experts, I can’t deal with this!
We have all been here: something broke or has to be installed and immediately there are two or three people who are excited about discussing who can repair or install it now. Common sense says: a craftsman should take care of it.
Person A says, however, that a craftsman would like to take 240 EUR and that the handyman, would definitely do that for 100 EUR. Person B replies that the handyman is away, so let’s wait a few days and then give him a call.
A little later, B returns (A did not call a craftsman at this time and did not do anything else) and explained that the handyman had an appointment in six days and yes, he would do it for 100 EUR, but he could not guarantee anything, because he is not a specialist, he is actually something a generalist. If that still is alright, B asks and A agrees. A would call handyman again. A reaches handyman but for two hours, because he is stuck in the suspension railway and has forgotten his phone. Two hours later, when A and B even go through a couple of alternatives you finally reach the handyman and give him an order, which should of course be remunerated in cash and without invoice. Finally, the handyman is a friend of As and Bs.
Now, A and B have spent some time, in about two hours, arguing about whether handyman should do it or not. They have done nothing productive in the time. Assuming 12 EUR hourly wage (they work as a warehouse workers) this means an effective loss of 48 EUR plus any possible damage caused by A and B driven delays. It is also worth noting that unfortunately handyman did not have the skills it needed: he did not complete his task without errors, which caused the problem to recur six weeks later. The expert has then addressed this bigger issue - for 295 EUR. Ouch. In addition, A and B have made a mistake (undeclared work) and have also acted negligently (after all, the unprofessional work, in the end, was a security risk). Good that the boss of A and B knew nothing about it ... Three things can be deduced from this story: First, if you could be A or B, you should ask at least one truly competent acquaintance to complete tasks. If you can not find one on your network, then hire the professional. Second, talking about planning the next steps is almost always an effective money-burning process when there is a quick and easy solution. And thirdly, if you are more of a handyman in this story, you should not work so much below your price level. There is no reason why your friends and acquaintances should pay far too little for a service on your part because money stops friendship.