Many homeowners have always thought that they can do home repairs independently. It appears to be practical and economical. Home renovation shows prove that, and there are tons of blogs and YouTube how-to videos that can help.
But when some homeowners try to fix their leaky faucets, they can’t get the water to stop flowing. When they try to install wooden beams as ceiling support, they end up with a sagging ceiling.
Although renovation TV shows make it appear that DIYs are the best solution for home repairs, it’s not true in real life. Info on basic renovation how-tos is too accessible nowadays, and what can be found on the web doesn’t equate to having fundamental skills and years of experience.
Because of this, you should know more about DIYs:
- When you can DIY home repairs.
- When it becomes wrong.
- When to leave the job to professionals.
When Does DIY Become Wrong?
Don’t get us wrong. We have nothing against DIYs. But while it’s true that it can save you money, it’s not always the case.
DIY becomes wrong if you attempt to do a renovation or home repair job without proper skills and experience. You can indeed watch tutorials on YouTube, but it doesn’t mean that you can experiment with what you’ve just learned on your property.
You invested tons of money in buying your home. Don’t ruin it by trying to do home repairs on your own, especially if you know that you don’t have the skill-set for it.
Another reason why DIY home repair is the wrong decision is when the job is already beyond your capability. For example, you may know how to replace a doorknob, but it doesn’t mean that you should replace the whole door itself. Don’t attempt to fix the door if what you only know how to do is to replace a doorknob.
If your DIY attempt becomes a disaster, you’ll lose more money instead of saving it.
Because of this, you should know which home repair jobs can be safer for you to do and which to leave to professionals.
12 Home Repair Jobs That You May Do
The following home repair jobs are basic and safe, but it doesn’t mean that you should attempt them if you are in doubt or don’t have any experience.
Minor roof repairs
If you have a leaky roof, you can get away with making a few repairs if the damage is minimal. You can patch up walls and fix minor issues. But note that it is still dangerous.
You should at least have experience before attempting DIY roof repairs. Remember that you’ll be in a high, sloping place. One wrong move, you’ll fall and hurt yourself.
Tile regrouting
When it comes to home repairs, re-grouting is one of the easiest things that you can do. It means removing the old grout and putting in a fresh new layer.
You’ll need some basic supplies, including a grout saw, bucket, sponge, and towels. You’ll also need to choose the right type of grout for your home. The unsanded type is for less than 1/8-inch, while more than 1/8-inch should be the sanded type.
Light installation
Installing a new light fixture is another home repair job you can DIY. But before you start, turn off the power to the area where you’ll be working.
You’ll need a few tools, including a screwdriver, wire stripper, and ladder. You should also have a helper to assist you in holding the fixture while you’re connecting the wires.
But if you have to install a light fixture with a high voltage, leave it to a professional.
Visible leaky pipes
You only need basic skills to fix the leaky pipes. It may include tightening the slip-nut or coupling hose clamps. If the pipes are hidden, better call a professional to do it.
Patching holes
Patching a hole is an easy DIY. But the hole size matters. If it’s bigger than a quarter, call a professional to fix it.
You’ll need some supplies like a putty knife, spackle, sandpaper, and paint.
Replace toilet fixtures
If you need to replace your toilet, faucet, or showerhead, and you are confident, you may do it. But, if it’s a major plumbing issue, it’s a different story.
Faucet replacement
Replacing a faucet is easy, but it will require basic plumbing skills. You should also know how to shut off the water supply before starting the job.
You also need to consider the hose connections. If it’s complicated, ask for help from a pro.
You’ll need some tools like an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver. And prepare the new faucet before starting the job.
Remove clogged garbage disposal.
If your garbage disposal is clogged, fix it by removing the clog with a specialty wrench. But if it doesn’t work, don’t force it. It will only damage the unit, and you’ll need to buy a new one.
Fix running toilet.
A running toilet is easy to fix as long as you know where the root of the problem lies. It’s either the flapper or the float. You can try to adjust or repair it by using a rebuild kit.
Clean gutters.
Cleaning the gutters is a home repair job that you can do independently. But be extra careful because it involves working on a ladder.
You’ll need some supplies like gloves, a hose, and a trowel. You should also have a helper to assist you in holding the ladder.
Install doorbell chime
Installing a doorbell chime is easy. It will require basic electrical skills, but a beginner can do it independently as it’s just a low-voltage project. For safety precautions, shut off the power before starting the job.
You’ll need a few tools, including a screwdriver, wire stripper, and ladder. You should also have a helper to assist you in holding the fixture while you’re connecting the wires.
Painting a room
Painting a room is a typical DIY job. But before starting, prepare by removing the furniture and putting some coverings on the floor with a drop cloth.
You’ll need some supplies like paint, primer, brushes, and rollers.
But if you have to paint the exterior of your house, although you can do it on your own, it’s wiser to leave it to professionals. After all, you can’t afford to make a mistake that will make your house a laughingstock in the neighbourhood.
12 Home Repair Jobs to Leave to Professionals
If you’re unsure if you can do a home repair job, even though it’s something most people typically do as a DIY, better not risk it. Call a professional, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.
(Also read: Why Hiring a Home Renovation Specialist Is Better Than DIY)
But even if you think you have some DIY experience, it’s best to leave the following tasks to your builders.
Fixing stuck windows
There can be many reasons why your windows get stuck. It could be due to dirt and debris build-up, foundational issues, drying the window in the wrong way, or high humidity.
It’s best to call a professional to look at it and identify the cause, as it may require advanced tools and the removal of your windows.
Roof repair
It is easy to fall while repairing a roof. The risk of injury is high, but there is also the risk of death, making this job dangerous. It is also tiring, placing people at work at higher risk.
Wallpaper installation
Wallpapering may seem like an easy job, but it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Matching the colours can be difficult, and if you’re not careful, you can end up with it bubbling during the installation.
Electrical issues
Although you can DIY small-voltage furniture, you can’t risk your home and life doing a risky electrical job. Remember that the small amount of money you can save from DIY is not worth your life.
Popcorn ceilings
Fixing popcorn ceilings undergoes a complicated and tedious process. It’s better to leave this job to professionals to save you time and possibly headaches and more expenses from getting it wrong.
Jobs that involve gas
If you’re thinking of replacing your water heater, leave this job to a professional. Water heaters contain gas, and if not handled properly, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Moving and installing new gas appliances is another dangerous task. You can’t afford to make a mistake with the gas line, as you’ll risk a housefire or even an explosion.
Floor replacement and installation
Floor replacement and installation seem like a simple task, but it’s more than what meets the eye.
Many people think that it’s a typical DIY job, but it’s a professional’s job. It’s because of possible issues hidden from view, such as a rotten subfloor.
Plumbing issues
Although you can put some home remedies on leaky pipes, fixing a significant plumbing issue is out of your hands. It may include advanced skills that use complicated or dangerous techniques or tools, such as a blow torch. If you insist on doing it yourself, be prepared for the possible risk of destroying your pipes with water splashing around the house.
Moulding installation
When it comes to installing new moulding, accurate measurements are crucial. It also requires advanced tools and skills that a beginner may not have.
It’s also important to know the tools and skills needed to complete the job. A professional has these qualifications.
Asbestos removal
Asbestos removal service is expensive, and we understand that. Because of this, some homeowners attempt to DIY the asbestos removal in their homes. But they don’t know that builders have a justifiable reason for this expensive cost. Asbestos exposure puts their life at stake.
According to the Australia Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the number of people with cancer caused by asbestos exposure is growing. Don’t be one of them.
Professionals underwent enough training on proper asbestos removal and mitigating its exposure. That’s why it’s better to leave this job to people with enough training and experience than risk your health.
Door replacement
Replacing your old doors with a new one seems like an easy job. But it will not be if you don’t know how to measure the door or are not familiar with the different types.
Another consideration is the installation process. It involves taking out the old door and trim and preparing the door frame for the new one. Then, you have to install the new door and add trim around it.
Pool installation
Installing a pool is a job for professionals. It involves complicated plumbing and electrical work, as well as concrete work.
Don’t attempt to do it if you’re not familiar with these things. Otherwise, you risk making a mistake that could be costly to fix.
Conclusion
You may think that you’re saving money by doing home repair jobs yourself, but some risks are involved. It’s best to leave these jobs to the professionals to avoid making a mistake that could be costly to fix.
If you need some help with home repairs, contact MKJ Projects today.
