How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

We got a house 2 years ago and I'm upset that DH refuses to do some of the handy work around the house. I would do it, but I have to take care of my very active preschooler and do alot of work already inside the house.

We bought an old house and there's alot of little things that needs to be done, and anytime I ask him to do it, he sits on it, or gives me one excuse after another why he can't or won't do it. We're talking about simple things like raking the leaves or patching up a hole in the wall.

One of his rationale for not doing it is, he earns X amount of $$ per dollar, and his time is THAT valuable. :P

I don't even understand what he's saying because I'm not asking him to take a day off work to do it. I'm asking him to spend some time on the weekend, when he's not working.

Should I respond differently when he gives me that same line again? How do you get your DH to do more handywork?

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

So what is his solution for all these things? Does he expect you to do it? Does he always want to hire someone else to do it?

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

DW sometimes tries to get me to do LESS handywork..... (see my album with the patio project....)

If he says his time is worth X, then immediately respond with "OK, then I'm going to find someone who gets paid slightly less than that to come over and do that job this week."

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

Posted by GoldenRod

DW sometimes tries to get me to do LESS handywork..... (see my album with the patio project....)

If he says his time is worth X, then immediately respond with "OK, then I'm going to find someone who gets paid slightly less than that to come over and do that job this week."

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

Maybe you could try making a list of what needs to be done & listing the costs to get them done & maybe pick & choose what you can hire out & what you will do your selves.

If he just won't or can't do it ( it's not every one's thing) can he at least take your kid to the park or something so you can get some stuff done?

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

My DH answers me with "we can call someone' He drives me nuts lol

He would rather spend the money on calling someone to do something that having him do it himself.

In all fairness to him though he works 12 hr days mon-frid (sometimes more) and by weekend he has not to much desire to work around the house, its not his thing at all.

He is so good at his job, but when it comes work around the house...god help us. lol

My dad is so handy and I am used to when I grew up he would fix everything, always had a project etc.

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

I feel your pain

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

I feel your pain as well. Either I have to nag him about it or I just have my dad come do it or threaten to have my dad come do it.

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

Re: How do you persuade DH to do more handywork?

You don't - if he's not interested in spending his free time working on the house, he's not going to do it.
But it needs to get done -

So, make a list of everything you want done - or that needs to be done.

And then call in contractors/landscapers etc etc for estimates of the cost.

Let him decide if his free time on the weekend is worth the price of paying someone to do the work -

My DH feels it is. And that's fine.
Honestly, I'm happier w/ it b/c it means things get done, on time, the RIGHT way, and I'm not waiting around for a project to be 1/2 finished and look like crap when it IS finally finished.

Also, there are certain things that I just flat out refuse to do. I work full time too, in NYC - and take care of a 1 and 3 year old .......Why would I be spending my weekend raking leaves while he's playing 18 holes ? KWIM?