If you consider yourself a reliable and handy person, then you might be the kind of person who likes to take on as much of the home maintenance and repairs as possible. Aside from demonstrating your own savvy, it can save you plenty of money after all. However, there are times when you should know to leave it to the experts. Here, we’re going to look at some of the jobs you might be able to do yourself, some that you should call the professionals for, and how to properly assess any tasks you’re not certain of.
The Gutters
Starting with one of the simplest parts of the home, it’s important to take care of your gutters. They are responsible for directing water away from the walls and foundation of the home but can easily get clogged by leaves, dirt, and debris. When that happens, so long as it’s easily accessible, you can clean the gutters yourself as part of your routine home maintenance. However, if the gutters are too high or difficult to reach, it might be safer to rely on professionals.
The Roof
Any repairs or housework that has to be done at height should be carefully considered. If you have access to a stable ladder, you might be able to climb up to visually inspect the roof, so long as you’re taking every safety precaution. You might be able to inspect and even block minor leaks from inside the attic, as well. However, when it comes to climbing up to get directly on the roof, to repair shingles or any other components that might be damaged or missing, you should never underestimate the danger of falling. Some can DIY it but don’t risk it if you’re not feeling entirely confident that you can do it safely and effectively.
The HVAC
There are some aspects of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning that you might be able to take care of, yourself. For instance, you might be able to change old filters and clean out the vents yourself. However, when it comes to directly fixing any of the appliances that keep the system going, such as your heating or air conditioner, then you should rely on a professional. These appliances do come with some degree of risk, after all, and they’re complex enough that it’s easy to mess things up and end up with even more costly problems on your hands.
The Electrics
Simply put, when it comes to the electricals of the home, it’s almost always a good idea to call the experts. There is very little that an amateur can do without a risk of getting electrocuted, shorting their circuits, or even causing a fire. The only electrical issues that non-electricians are equipped to fix are things like changing the light bulbs or installing new appliances. Not only can messing with the wiring yourself be extremely dangerous, but it can also void your insurance policies in the event of a mistake.
The Plumbing
There are a lot of plumbing tasks that might not be too tough to fix yourself if you know how to do it. Replacing worn-down rubber washers in your faucets, for instance, isn’t too much of a concern. However, if you have issues like slow drains and cleaning them manually isn’t working, you’re likely to need professional sewer line repairs, which should never be handled by an amateur. Similarly, burst pipes and water heater installations are jobs for the pros. If you do handle any DIY plumbing, be sure that you know how to turn off the water mains to work safely and without mess.
How Complex Is The Task?
Regardless of what the job is, be sure to ask yourself just how complex it is. Are you likely to need tools and parts that you have never worked with before? Can you read up on the steps to complete it online and, if so, can you easily visualize yourself doing each and every one of them? If you don’t already have the available tools, time, and understanding of the task, then that’s a good sign you shouldn’t do it.
Does It Have The Potential To Get Dangerous?
There is some inherent risk with all DIY work. An accident with any tool can cause some damage. However, if the very nature of the work itself means dealing with danger, then you should give it a second thought. Make sure that you know your basic DIY safety precautions, like clearing the space around a job and wearing the right safety gear. If there’s any danger of exposure to electricity, gas, or working at heights, however, you should probably let a pro handle it.
Could It Cost More To Do Yourself?
One of the biggest advantages of taking a DIY approach to any repairs or maintenance in the home is to save money while you do it. However, there are some tasks that might cause your costs to inflate if, for instance, you have to buy new power tools to do it. Similarly, there are jobs that, if executed poorly, could lead to much higher long-term costs due to a lack of expertise. If it’s a job that isn’t going to cost too much to fix, even if you do mess it up the first time, a DIY approach might be fine.
Is It An Emergency?
If you are facing an emergency situation, such as a burst pipe or an electrical outage, then knowing what you can do to mitigate the damage is important. For instance, for any plumbing issue, locating and turning off the main water supply can prevent water damage from spreading. In general, however, you’re going to want to call the experts to ensure that you don’t exacerbate the problem by attempting a DIY fix.
When you’re not sure whether or not you can make a fix yourself, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution and get the experts in. There’s a lot less chance of unexpected damage that way.