Home repairs and maintenance are inevitable. They’re one of those things that you just have to accept is part of your home life. Whenever you encounter an issue that needs to be addressed, if you’re like many out there, you’ve probably also wondered whether you need to hire a pro to fix it or just grab a wrench or hammer yourself. This is a reasonable query, especially considering the huge discrepancy of costs between these choices.
If you encounter this predicament in the future, this article can help. It will enumerate which issues can be DIY-ed and which should be dealt with professionally.
Plumbing
Plumbing involves a number of fixtures and potential issues that can either be as simple as screwing something in or more intricate ones like reworking your pipes.
If you’re simply replacing fixtures like shower heads, faucets, bidets, and other similarly simple ones, you can save some money by taking on the project by yourself. If you need to trace leaks and address them accordingly, you may need the help of a professional plumber.
Piping systems can be complex and many of these pipes are usually located in inaccessible areas. You will need the experience and tools of pros when your problem lies here.
Exterior
Like the previous item in this list, the exterior of your home can have simple and complex issues. When dealing with repainting tasks, for example, you will be better off by wielding a paintbrush yourself. If you’re replacing the entire gutter system, save yourself the hassle and potential risk by asking a pro to do it.
When it comes to repainting your roof, it’s your call. If you have the time and you are confident in going up there, you can take on the task by yourself. Otherwise, call a pro.
Outdoor
Many people enjoy working on landscaping projects, designing their outdoor space with gardens and rocks and the like. However, when it comes to building decks or gazebos, unless you have the necessary experience, and a complete set of tools in your garage, you should speak with a professional.
Repaving concrete on your driveway also requires the hand of a professional. This will ensure that the new pavement lasts longer.
HVAC
Unless you are very confident in working with HVAC systems, you’re better off asking a professional for help when you encounter issues here. The HVAC system is critical to your home and prolonged issues here can cost you more than having it repaired. If this system is also running inefficiently, you can expect it to reflect on your power bills.
Cabinetry and Shelving
This is a generally DIY project. Whether you’re installing new shelves and cabinets or replacing old ones, the most important factor here is that the measurements match the space available.
There’s also the issue of which material to use. Your local supplier will likely recommend one of the following – solid wood, plywood, MDF, and particle board. These wood options will contract or expand depending on the temperature and humidity. This is an important consideration especially if you’re working on kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Stainless steel and PVC are unusual but not unheard-of material options for you as well.
Conclusions
Repairs and home maintenance are a fact of life. To get the most out of your time and money, you should know when to take on these projects by yourself and when to call in the professionals. When it comes to plumbing work, outdoor renovation, exterior repairs, HVAC system tweaking, and fixing cabinets and shelves, there isn’t always a straightforward answer. Refer to this article in the future to help you decide. If the problem you encounter is not listed here, feel free to write a comment below to ask. Good luck!
