Before creating custom hooks, evaluate whether existing solutions or simpler patterns can address the need. Custom hooks should provide clear value beyond what's available through established libraries, built-in React patterns, or direct component logic. Ask these questions when reviewing custom hook implementations: 1. Does this hook abstract meaningful logic or just wrap existing functionality? 2. Are there established libraries (like react-use) that already provide this functionality? 3. Would direct usage of existing hooks or patterns be clearer? For example, instead of creating a custom `useClickOutside` hook, leverage existing solutions: ```typescript // Avoid: Custom implementation export function useClickOutside( ref: RefObject, callback: () => void ) { // Custom click outside logic... } // Prefer: Existing library solution import { useClickAway } from 'react-use'; // Use directly in component useClickAway(ref, callback); ``` Custom hooks are valuable for encapsulating complex stateful logic, but avoid creating them when they merely wrap existing functionality without adding meaningful abstraction or reusability.