DIY is fine, but if you go beyond your abilities, you’re opening yourself up to a lot of expenses and wasted time. Whether you’re finishing your home’s basement or your roof needs a large repair, it’s vital to know where to stop and find a professional who knows what they’re doing.
These are the top signs to look for and why it’s important you call a pro.
Electrical Issues That Go Beyond Simple Fixes
Electrical issues are terrifying to most first time homeowners, and for good reason. Trying to take on an electrical issue when you haven’t done anything similar before can be asking for a house fire.
If you’re not just replacing a lamp or installing a ceiling fan, it’s time to call a professional. Not only will they complete the work you’ve hired them for, but they can also alert you to any issue you might not have noticed. This is a life-saving task that you should hire someone else to perform.
Plumbing Problems That Won’t Go Away
Plumbing is one of the riskiest things you can attempt to fix on your own. If you don’t do everything exactly correct you can flood out your entire home. Even incorrectly ‘repairing’ the dishwasher can lead to six inches of water in the walls of your home.
If your home seems to have nonstop plumbing issues, and you think you can save yourself some money by fixing the problem on your own: don’t. Take the time to get a professional who can fix it faster and more affordable.
Structural Issues
There’s nothing as expensive as finding out your property has structural issues, and they need to be fixed. You may assume that you can save some money and fix them yourself, but that’s not always the case. Don’t try to run headfirst into fixing a cracked foundation when you’ve never done anything like this before.
Work from the bottom to the top when focusing on structure. The rest of your home is only as good as the foundation, and if you haven’t done foundational waterproofing, you’re leaving yourself open to a lot of trouble.
Hire professionals who have done this type of work before, and are able to show results that you want to see.
Roof Damage
It seems like stormy seasons have been getting worse every year, and with that comes more roof damage than most homeowners have ever seen. YouTube videos and online tutorials make it seem easy to replace some shingles or complete a patch job, but these are just small band-aids that aren’t fixing the underlying issue.
Putting off a necessary repair will lead to floods and leaks in a matter of time. It’s not an issue of ‘if’ but of ‘when’ if you don’t have it professionally fixed.
If your roof is beyond repair, it’s time to call a roofing company you can trust. Avoid going for what’s simply the most affordable, and instead seek out companies with better reviews and results that are built to last.
HVAC System Malfunctions
HVAC systems have an average lifespan between twenty and forty years, depending on the location, but many homeowners have worked to try and stretch them further. Unfortunately, that means that these systems are breaking down and need costly repairs to keep running.
If you do a poor repair, or you make a mistake, you can accidentally blow dust into your home, break your HVAC system irrevocably, accidentally ruin your electrical system, or even invite moisture into your home. It’s vital that you leave this to someone who knows what they’re doing.
Major Renovations or Remodels
A minor renovation has a higher return on investment than a large renovation, but there’s nothing as satisfying as a kitchen, bathroom, or entire home that’s been reimagined from the ground up.
To succeed in this, you have to be a jack of many trades. The average major remodel requires an understanding of plumbing, electrical systems, structural support, and so much more. This isn’t a task to take on alone.
Mold or Water Damage
If you think you can just paint over mold spots to solve them, you might be making your home a biohazard for yourself and everyone who lives in it. Mold and water damage should not be ignored, especially if they’re in walls, flooring, or ceiling spaces. A professional will be able to find the source of the moisture and stop it, while also removing the mold infected materials and replacing them.
Directional fans can also help! These will push moisture out of damp areas and into the drainage to save your basement. Don’t be afraid to try a selection of tools to make this project work.
Don’t Let DIY Damage Your Home Further
It’s easy to assume you can do anything, but it’s vital that you know your limits. Avoid catastrophe and save yourself some time and money by working with Tri-Pups Inc.
Author Bio:
Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.