Things you can do yourself to save money.

• You can make sure your circuit breaker panel is labeled correctly.  This is often a problem with an older house that has had some remodeling involving the addition of new circuits.  Make sure your computer is turned off, shut off the circuit breakers one at a time, find out which lights and receptacles got shut off, and mark the panel appropriately.  This is an especially good job for a teenager.
• You can do some of the non-electrical work.  If the walls need to be opened up to run wire, I can usually make repairs to the plaster that day, but need to wait a day or two to repaint.  If you do the repainting, you can save me a trip.
• If you have purchased a fan or fixture that needs to be assembled, and you are sure you won't want to return it, you can assemble it ahead of time.  This is also a good job for a teenager.
• If the job requires paint, you can find it yourself (at the paint store or in your basement).
• Most electrical work can be easily done by one person, but occasionally, a helper is helpful to carry something bulky, flip a circuit breaker, or help pull some wire.  If you are agreeable, you can be that helper.
• Help with the troubleshooting.  Does the problem happen randomly?  When it is cold?  When it is raining?  Since you dug up your garden?  This kind of information can be very helpful, and save a lot of time.