The cost of home repairs is something that always hurts, even if you do have some savings tucked away for it. Because of this, it can be tempting to try to deal with the problem yourself instead of seeking help. But the cost is not the only thing to consider here.
Without the necessary skill set and tools to do the job, a simple issue can quickly become worse and even costlier with a haphazard fix. It can also become quite dangerous for the DIY fixer or their family. So with these things in mind, it’s important to be able to determine whether an issue can be dealt with yourself or deserves a professional’s hand to solve.
Issues You Can Probably DIY
- Accessible leaky pipes If there’s a leak in a pipe that’s easily accessible to you, it may be better to try to fix it for yourself. A leak needs urgent attention, and if it happens on a weekday, it’s better to try to solve it instead of taking a day off to wait for the plumber. Be sure to assess whether the problem is isolated; if not, you’ll likely need a pro.
- Painting inside rooms. You’ve likely seen this being DIYd on several movies and shows already. It’s a fairly straightforward task that requires only simple and easily acquirable tools and materials. Pick a free weekend and start your painting. Paint the rooms one at a time so that you can better get the hang of what’s in store. If you need help, you can always ask a friend with the promise of pizza.
- Cleaning gutters. Yes, this involves the use of ladders, but it’s as straightforward as a task can be. Simply removing leaves and other debris from the accessible parts of the gutter system can go a long way in making sure that moisture doesn’t leak into your home and cause more damage. Although this is a DIY task, you’ll still need someone to at least hold the ladder still.
Issues That Require Professional Attention
- Inaccessible leaky pipes. When the leaks are inside walls or unreachable areas, you’ll be better served with asking a professional’s help. The amount of work or tools needed for this fix can be too much of a hassle to take on yourself. Plus, there’s a chance that it’s not an isolated case. A deeper issue elsewhere may end up forcing you to seek help anyway.
- Painting the house exterior. Compared to painting inside the house, this is complicated and will require more time, effort, and tools. It would also require extensive use of ladders, which can be a big safety concern, especially if you’re planning on doing the work alone. Don’t risk it and hire a pro.
- Roof work. Anything from painting and cleaning to repairing and replacing your roof and roof shingles should be left to professionals. Aside from the obvious risks of falls, this is too important a job to be taking on unnecessary risks. Although a task may seem as simple as replacing a couple of shingles, you won’t really know if you’ve done a good job until the rain starts. Again, don’t risk it and hire professional roofers.
Hopefully, this article gives you a clearer picture of what to do and what not to do when those issues do happen.
