Everyone tries to be handy from time to time when it comes to fixing stuff around the house. After all, if you can do it yourself, it’ll be cheaper in the long run, right? Well….maybe not.
In some cases, it can cause more harm than good to try to go it alone. Some things are best left to the professionals.
Here’s your guide to when it’s okay for DIY home repair and when you should call in the pros.
Don’t: Mess with Electrical Work
This type of work is best left to a professional electrician and is not in your best interest to take this on as one of your DIY home repair projects.
Trying to DIY it, in this case, is a safety hazard and it’s best to avoid the risk of working with electricity. You won’t only be facing the risk of electric shock, this type of work also poses a fire hazard.
Do: Patch the Drywall
One of the most common home repairs, patching drywall is a simple and straightforward task, particularly when dealing with small holes. Although it’s possible to DIY the larger holes and cracks too.
Filling in cracks and holes in your walls is a simple way to make your walls look new again.
Don’t: Paint the Exterior of Your House
This is one area you don’t want to mess up by attempting DIY repairs. If you do, it’ll be on display for everyone to see. The last thing we want is a constant reminder of a bad idea. So when it comes to painting the exterior of your home, this is one area that a professional should take care of.
It’s a huge job, one that requires a lot of equipment and potentially siding work. Leave this one to the professionals and you’ll be proud of the outcome.
Do: Fix Your Running Toilet
Hardware stores help make this one an easy fix through toilet rebuild kits. If you don’t have a fancy toilet, these kits come with instructions that are straightforward to make this an easy (ish) fix.
Don’t: Replace Your Roof
It may be tempting to attempt this on your own but don’t. Aside from causing damage to your roof, there’s also the risk of falling. An experienced roofer has the tools necessary to do this job correctly and safely.
If you attempt to do it yourself and you miss problems, this could mean added costs down the road. A poorly installed roof is going to be an eyesore, and will certainly stand out if it wasn’t done correctly.
Do: Replace the Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal dies, this is one area you can safely take care of yourself. Before you replace your old unit, make sure the existing one is not simply clogged by using the wrench your disposal came with.
If nothing becomes dislodged and once you’ve determined the need for a replacement, home improvement stores sell disposals that will fit any household budget.
Don’t: Remove Trees
An arborist will be able to do the job right and prevent damage by trees falling in the wrong direction and damaging your home, car, neighbors property or any unassuming passersby.
A professional knows what direction the tree should fall, has the correct equipment for the job and has the training to do it safely.
Do: Clean the Gutters
If your gutters are clogged, water can leak into your basement, get into the siding and result in mold. Cleaning the gutters out will prevent water from pooling around your house.
Gutters should be cleaned every spring and fall and if you’re comfortable climbing a ladder this is one task you can undertake with minimal risk to property or yourself.
Don’t: Remove Popcorn Ceilings
Sure, this is something you try to do yourself, but when you consider risks like exposure to asbestos you may reconsider. If your house was built prior to 1978 there’s a good chance your ceiling contains asbestos.
If this is the case it’s dangerous to breathe in the fibers, and it’s also illegal to attempt removal without the right equipment and even certification depending on where you live. A licensed professional will be able to do this job safely and dispose of all materials properly.
Along with this risk, you should also consider the fact that once you’ve removed the popcorn ceiling, the work isn’t done. You’ll need to refinish the ceiling to fix any imperfections and paint over it to complete the look.
This is a task best left to a professional.
Do: Fix a Leaking Faucet
Drip…drip…drip…this could drive anyone mad over time. Luckily, it’s one of those issues you can take care of yourself using tools that your probably already own.
While any major plumbing work should be done by a professional, a leaky faucet is something that you can safely take a shot at. For other issues and for drain service, give the pros a call.
Safe DIY Home Repair
When it comes to DIY home repair, we’ve covered the things you should and shouldn’t try. Some guidelines–don’t try to do anything yourself that can’t be easily fixed and don’t attempt any fixes that come with a safety hazard, like electrical work or roofing.
Follow these guidelines when it comes to DIY home repair projects and you’ll be better able to determine what you can do yourself and what you shouldn’t.
Get more home and lifestyle advice by checking out our other blog posts.
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