When it comes to home repairs, some people like to tinker around and care for everything themselves. These projects can be a great way to save money and are fun to take on. However, not all home repairs are created equal. While some home repairs are easy enough to carry out, others are best left to the professionals.
If DIY home repairs are your idea of a good time, that’s fine too. Just always proceed with caution and know your limits. It never hurts to get help from a professional if you’re unsure of certain repairs. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of seven home repairs that you shouldn’t DIY:
1. Electrical Repairs
A quick Google search will give out an impressive list of home electrical repairs you can do yourself. Swapping the lights in your home, replacing an outlet, or even fixing a ceiling fan are all doable with a bit of time and effort. But when it comes to more complex electrical repairs, leave it to the professionals.
Attempting electrical repairs without the proper knowledge or experience can be extremely dangerous. You could be putting your home and your family at risk for one wrong move.
What’s more, working with a professional electrician has plenty of benefits. They have the skills and know-how to get the job done right. They have access to the tools and equipment required for the project. Most importantly, they know how to stay safe while working with electricity.
And if all these are not enough to convince you, consider this: Electrical work requires a permit in most jurisdictions. So, unless you’re a licensed electrician, it’s best to leave electrical repairs to the professionals.
2. Plumbing Repairs
When a plumbing-related problem arises in your home, it’s tempting to try and fix it yourself. After all, how hard could it be? As it turns out, plumbing repairs can be pretty challenging, even for the most experienced DIYers.
Even something seemingly innocuous as a clogged drain can become a nightmare. One wrong maneuver, you could end up damaging your pipes. And that’s not even considering the mess you’ll have to clean up!
So, if it’s plumbing repairs you’re after, be sure to call a professional. They can get the job done correctly and efficiently, saving you time, money, and headaches.
And if you’re worried about the cost, consider this: The price of a plumber is nothing compared to the cost of repairing damaged pipes or dealing with a major plumbing problem.
3. Structural Repairs
Your home is a complex system of interconnected parts the load-bearing walls, foundation, and framing all work together to keep your home standing. So, when one part of this system fails, it can put your entire home at risk.
This is why structural repairs should always be left to professionals. These repairs are complex and require a high level of skill and experience.
Attempting to do these repairs yourself is not only dangerous, but it’s also a waste of time and money. You’re better off hiring professionals who can assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
4. Roofing Repairs
Your roof protects you and your near and dear from the elements. It keeps your home warm and dry when it’s cold and wet outside. And it provides much-needed shade in the summertime.
So, it’s no surprise that roofing repairs are one of the most common home repairs. But, as with any home repair, roofing repairs should always be left to the professionals.
Roofing repairs are best left to the pros for several reasons. First, they’re extremely dangerous. Working on a roof is risky, and you could seriously injure yourself if you’re not careful.
Second, roofing repairs require special tools and equipment. Shingle removal tools, ladders, and safety gear are just a few of the things you’ll need. And unless you’re a professional roofer, chances are you don’t have all these things lying around your house.
And lastly, roofing repairs can be expensive. But the cost of a professional roofer is nothing compared to repairing your roof yourself or worse, replacing it entirely.
5. HVAC Repairs
The heating, ventilation, and HVAC system in your home are responsible for keeping your home comfortable year-round. Even with a manual, HVAC repairs are difficult to carry out.
HVAC systems contain harmful chemicals and gasses that can be dangerous if not handled properly. So, unless you’re a trained professional, it’s best to leave HVAC repairs to the experts.
Also, attempting to repair your HVAC system could void your warranty and that’s if you’re lucky. If you’re not, you could end up causing more damage to your system, costing you more money in the long run.
6. Garage Door Repairs
Your garage door is one massive, moving part of your home. So, if it starts to malfunction, it can cause serious injuries or even death.
Attempting to fix it yourself is not just dangerous, but it’s also a waste of time and money. Garage doors are complex machines. They contain hundreds of moving parts and must be balanced appropriately to work correctly.
The coil springs, for example, are under a lot of tension. They can snap if you don’t know how to handle these correctly, and the door can come crashing down.
If your garage door is giving you trouble, the best thing to do is call a professional. They have the experience and expertise to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs properly.
And if your garage door needs replacing, they can help you select and install a new one.
7. Gas Appliance Repairs
Another home repair that’s best left to the pros is gas appliance repairs. Gas appliances, such as furnaces, dryers, and water heaters, all use natural gas or propane to operate.
And while these appliances are safe when they’re correctly installed and maintained, they can be very dangerous if they’re not.
Natural gas is highly combustible. So, if there’s a gas leak, it could lead to an explosion or even a fire.
Attempting to repair a gas appliance yourself is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal in most states. So, if you have a gas appliance that needs fixing, the best thing to do is call a professional.
Hiring a qualified professional may cost more upfront, but it’s worth it when you consider the alternative. Repairing or worse, replacing a gas appliance is much more expensive than hiring a professional to do it for you.
Leave the Repairs to Qualified Professionals
An article or a YouTube tutorial you found online might convince you that you can repair just about anything in your home.
But when it comes to the home repairs we’ve listed above, it’s best to leave them to the professionals. These repairs are complicated, dangerous, and expensive. A home appliance plan can help cover the cost of these repairs. With one, you can easily connect to a network of qualified, experienced professionals who can get the job done right. So, if you haven’t already, it might be time to consider getting one.
Sources:
https://www.discover.com/online-banking/banking-topics/5-home-repairs-you-should-never-do-yourself/
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/diy-home-improvement