It’s always a good idea for homeowners to have some ability to carry out the basic repairs that can help them keep their homes healthy, happy, and practical. However, there are times when your toolbox isn’t going to be enough. Trying to tackle some of the more complex issues with the home can not only make the problem worse and more expensive to fix, but it can also be legitimately dangerous.
Electrical Work
Even if you’re a dab hand with a screwdriver, you shouldn’t be trying to cut any corners around your electrics. Even if you’re careful enough to avoid getting shocked by switching off your mains, a mistake like connecting the wrong wire or overloading one circuit can lead to an electrical fire when the power goes back on. Licensed electricians know how ot perform work safely, and test systems to ensure they’re working before restoring the power to your home. What’s more, DIY electrical work is very likely to void your insurance.
Major Plumbing Repairs
There may be plenty of small leaks, clogs, or basic repairs with your plumbing that you’re to handle yourself. However, the more major tasks, such as replacing old pipes, handling the water heater, or anything to do with your sewer lines, should be left up to the pros. The risk of flooding and water damage is significant, even if you’re able to turn the water mains off. What’s more, if you want to add new fixtures, then plumbers know how to keep them to building codes, which can be vital for future repairs, replacements, or insurance purposes.
Foundation Issues
There are few issues that can affect the home more seriously than trouble with your foundation. For that reason, they should never be DIY’d. If you see cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close properly, you should get in touch with a pro about fixing your home’s foundation. Foundation work can often require detailed structural assessments, the use of heavy equipment, and even having to dig around the house itself. Any attempts to fix it yourself can truly endanger your home’s structural integrity, leading to more expensive fixes later.
Roofing Repairs
If you feel confident and safe enough in doing so, you can climb up to your roof to assess if there’s any damage in need of repair. However, unless you’re a trained professional with the right gear to work at heights, you really should not be attempting repairs up there yourself. Working on a roof is dangerous, and falls from that height can lead to severe damage. Even if you don’t fall, replacing roofing materials incorrectly can worsen the leaks or issues you were trying to fix and void your warranty.
There’s nothing at all wrong with wanting to become more capable and handy around the home, and it can save you a lot of money. Don’t let savings get in the way of your safety, however, or the long-term health of your home. Know when to tag the experts in.
