Some Repairs Not For DIY
There is nothing wrong with fixing the things around your house yourself, especially if you are looking to save some money. Like many do-it-yourselfers, you are probably thinking that you can always rely on the Internet to find a step by step guide on the repair issue that you are encountering. However, there are some home repairs that might look easy at first glance but actually requires the capable hands of the professionals. Attempting to tackle them all by yourself will not only blow a hole in your pocket but can also pose a danger to you and your family.
If you would like to save yourself from further increasing the repair costs of your home as well as from unlikely accidents, it is worth knowing what repairs should be left to the hands of the pros. Below is a walk-through of the home repairs that you should not be doing all by yourself.
Roofing Repairs
One of the primary reasons why professional roofing contractors do not recommend DIYers to fix their own roofs is associated with the risk of falling. While addressing roof issues such as patching leaks or repairing roof shingles are not actually difficult, the problem lies in getting up and down to fetch and carry the tools to the roof, posing the risk of injury or even death. One wrong step on the ladder or even a quick slip on the roof itself can easily send you spiraling down to the ground.
Even if your roof has a slope that is less than 20 degrees and is possible for you to do the gutter work yourself with the aid of ladder, this kind of height can still be dangerous. It is not advisable to do the repair without another person to spot and hold the ladder for you.
Another good reason why you should not tackle the problems in your roof is that most, if not all, of the procedures require experience, especially with the use of materials. If you insist on doing things on your own, there is a high chance that you will end up having a leaky roof that may cost more money to repair than what you are willing to pay for.
Electrical Repairs
A home repair that concerns electricity is something that any homeowner should not do, with an exemption of changing simple light fixtures – as long as you turn the power off. Replacing or extending circuits as well as wiring outlets carry with them the danger of electric shock that can lead to injury or death and of course, the possibility of an electrical fire that could easily burn your house down. There are also building codes that are meant to be followed when doing electrical repairs, requiring you to secure a permit from the local authorities. With these concerns at hand, it is worth calling a professional electrician to do the job for you to ensure that everything will turn out well and is up to safety standards.
Plumbing
Plumbing leaks are among the most common problems encountered by homeowners. Even a small one can cost a huge sum of money when it comes to repair. While you might be able to get away with a minor repairs like changing the shower head or a faucet, it is in your best interest not to tackle other major repairs like toilet installation and especially plumbing system modification. The latter repair usually involves working with hot water lines and sewer pipe rerouting among others, which if not addressed by a professional plumber can lead to leaks inside the home and of course, expensive repairs in the future.
Insulation and HVAC
It can be tempting to climb up on your attic and insulate it on your own. Or, perhaps you might want to install a programmable thermostat to warm up your home during winter. However, you need to understand that if you do not have a basic knowledge about insulation and HVAC, you will end up paying more money for your heating and cooling bills. There is also the issue of your family’s safety in the event that these projects did not work properly. Since there are numerous steps involved when it comes to doing these repairs, it is best to leave them to the pros.
