Do-it-yourself projects get a lot of attention because homeowners can potentially save themselves a lot of money. But, it’s always a good idea to leave the big stuff to the professionals otherwise you risk major damage, injury or even death by taking on certain projects yourself.
Which projects should I leave to the Pros?
Roof replacement should be left to the professionals. If you have an aging roof or a serious roof issue where you need ventilation, gutters or other roof work, getting up on the roof yourself can be a big problem for a few reasons. First, you are likely to void a warranty on the existing system if you try and fix something yourself. Second, you are not trained to work on a roof so you could be putting your life at risk. Third, any replacement or repair you do could lead to more damage if it’s done improperly – and it’s very easy to miss a step or make a bad decision if you are not trained.
Replacing windows and doors is best left to the professionals. Windows are another product that come with a warranty and you want to take advantage of and you cannot get a warranty by buying the windows and installing them yourself. You need trained installers to capture that benefit. Also, doors and windows are contributors to most of the energy loss in your home, so an incorrect installation could lead to a huge increase in your energy bills. Incorrect installation can also lead to water infiltration which leads to mold, mildew, and damages inside your home.
Plumbing work is best handled by professionals, with a few exceptions. If you are experiencing a toilet that is running continuously and you can replace the inner workings of the toilet with a ready-made kit, then that is worth attempting. Any plumbing that requires cutting new pipe, brazing, soldering, or gluing PVC pipe should be done by a professional. You don’t want to leave your home and not know if pipes are sealed up tight. Leaks lead to damaged floors, drywall, moldy carpet and all sorts of other problems in your home.
Electrical work is best left to the professionals as well. The ramifications of not properly verifying that a circuit is off are huge. Even a minor shock can carry with it the ability to stop your heart. Safety is the key for electricity and it just doesn’t make sense to risk it. Also, anything that you fix or replace, if done incorrectly, could lead to a fire. Leave electrical work to the professionals.
Tree trimming and removal is not something you should tackle. If it’s a small branch or tree, then it’s not a problem. Anything that requires a chainsaw, a lift or other special safety equipment is best left to those who do it every day. They are trained in methods to bring a large tree down so that it doesn’t smash your home or hurt anyone nearby. They can also dispose of the wood for you with a chipper.
Is there anything I should do myself?
Of course, painting, staining, refinishing, basic water heater and furnace maintenance, landscaping and even putting in a programmable thermostat are all projects you should feel empowered to take on yourself and save some money, among many others. But, always be sure to realize when you should bring in the experts. Anytime your family’s safety or the safety of your home is in jeopardy, it is worth getting professionals involved. If you have any questions or need help on a home project, call us at 888-776-1998 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.