Thanks to the nationwide obsession with home improvement shows, doing it yourself has never been more in the spotlight. A simple Google or YouTube search will provide thousands of videos on how to do everything from changing a light bulb to fixing your dishwasher. Not all home repairs should be attempted at home, though. So how do you know what is worth the cost of professional services and what projects are a great place to save some change? Read on.
Plumbing
Simple fixes such as changing a shower head or tightening a leaky faucet are no problem for the average homeowner. Unclogging pipes and troubleshooting leaks are also within the realm of possibilities. However, when it comes to substantial plumbing work, you will want a professional on your side. If you are moving plumbing lines or repairing pipes, a company that does DC plumbing repairs is a must have. Improper plumbing leads to leaks and water damage, such as wood rot, which can leave you with more than enough money troubles to offset the savings of doing it yourself.
Drywall Finishing
Installing drywall isn’t rocket science—but making it look professional is a different story. Mudding, taping, sanding…this is a task you’ll want to leave to the pros if you can afford it. Not only will the results look twice as good but experienced drywallers can finish a project in ten percent of the time that it would take an average DIY’er. When you factor in the time, execution, and amount of drywall dust… this is one project you don’t want to mess with. Drywalling a ceiling? Even worse, trust us.
Roofing
There are many reasons why you should hire out a roofing job (like the fact that leaks are expensive!) but the main reason is the most obvious. You could fall. It’s a big liability and requires a lot of special tools to do the job both correctly and safely. Factor in inclement weather like a hot day, which will feel even hotter unprotected on the roof, or rain, or snow… it’s best to leave this to a professional roofing company.
Electrical Work
There are some electrical things that you can do yourself, like switching out a light fixture or an outlet. However, for more involved electrical work, you’ll want to hire a professional. Not only can electrical work be risky and potential dangerous (electric shock, anyone?), but doing it incorrectly can be safety hazard going forward. There are legal aspects to think through, as well. Many counties require permits and professionals for a variety of electrical jobs and using a certified electrician will make sure that everything is safe and up to code.
Mold Removal
Asbestos in no joke. While there are mold removal kits you can buy to try to remedy the problem yourself, this is one area that you don’t want to mess up. Asbestos and other molds are dangerous to your health, require special equipment and air circulation, and can be a legal liability when removed. Certain states have laws about how asbestos can even be removed from a home to ensure that you aren’t spreading the mold spores through the air to your neighbors. When you factor in the health risk and legal liabilities, it’s just not worth it.