Final answer:
The computer systems engineer should hire a painter to paint her house due to the high opportunity cost of her time, the specialized skills and experience of professional painters, and the benefit of supporting local businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A computer systems engineer might have the capability to paint her house, but from an economic standpoint, it is more beneficial for her to hire a professional painter. The primary reason for this is the opportunity cost of the engineer's time. Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative foregone as the result of making a decision. In this case, the time the engineer would spend painting could be used to earn more money doing her specialized work than what she would pay a painter. Plus, painting requires specific skills and experience for the best quality, which a professional painter is more likely to possess. Additionally, hiring a local painting service can support the local economy and ensure the job is done professionally and efficiently.