I am the first to admit that I am not a very handy person when dealing with home repairs. I am always amazed at people who naturally know how to fix, install, and repair anything that’s broken. It is a wonderful skill to possess not only for the savings but also for the convenience of not needing to hire a contractor or handyman. Coordinating schedules with a repairman can be a hassle. Often, you’ll hear the horror stories of contractors starting a project and never finishing, or taking weeks to complete a job they said would be finished in a weekend. The ability to complete routine work by yourself can also aid in easily getting your home ready to go on the market.
Though I may not be a handyman, I have found a way to supplement my abilities and increase my confidence in accomplishing home repairs through the power of YouTube. The concept that any person, anywhere, can upload videos with their own content to share with the world is really a fantastic concept in this age of freedom of information. In fact, YouTube lists that as a value in their four essential Freedoms: Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Information, Freedom of Opportunity, and Freedom to Belong.
The success of YouTube is truly astounding. 400 hours of video is uploaded every hour, and 70% of video views take place on a mobile device. An astonishing 1 billion hours of video is watched per day, which is more than Netflix and Facebook videos combined. In an average month, 8 out of 10 YouTube viewers are 18-49 year-olds, showing a vast demographic. And finally, “how to” video searches are increasing 70% year over year, exemplifying the growing interest in DIY projects.
The handyman in me has greatly improved because of “how-to” videos. I find that when any home project arises, I begin the process with a search on YouTube and always find a video of someone showing the pitfalls, tips, and tricks for a similar project. However, many jobs are too big or too complex for even a YouTube “how-to” video to unpack. I find that many videos recommend hiring a professional is the best way to go. Our experienced agents have a multitude of contacts in the contracting/construction world who can help with anything from installing a new kitchen backsplash to heavy-duty construction like adding an addition onto your home.
In addition to videos for home improvement, YouTube is a great way to get an in-depth look at William Means Real Estate. Come with us as we explore various neighborhoods around Charleston, learn more about our agents, and even tour our listings. You can visit our YouTube channel to learn more here.
