I'm not a DIYer. I don't keep tools around, I don't know how to fix small problems and I probably can't even hammer a nail straight. But most people like me are in this boat: We need to get things done around the house, but we're also not exactly handy. That's why it's important to know what repairs you should never attempt on your own—and which ones are actually worth doing yourself. Here's my list of repairs that fall into each category:
Plumbing
If you're thinking of doing your own plumbing, think again. This might seem like an easy fix and something that can be done in your spare time, but it's actually very dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and tools. Plumbing repairs are best left to the professionals, who know what they're doing and will ensure that everything is done correctly without causing further damage or flooding.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors are expensive to replace, but you can do some of the repairs yourself. However, if you're not sure what to do or you don't have the right tools for the job, it's best to leave these kinds of home repairs up to professionals.
For example, if your window frame has been damaged by water or heat damage and needs repair work done before installing new glass panes (the most common reason for needing a new window), you may be able to save money by repairing it yourself rather than hiring an expert contractor who will charge more than $100 per hour plus materials costs. Another example: If one side panel is missing from your door frame because someone kicked it off when they were drunk at a party last weekend? Probably best not try fixing that yourself; instead just buy another door!
Restoration of furniture
Furniture can be very expensive, so it makes sense that people want to restore it themselves instead of buying new pieces. However, furniture restoration requires special equipment and skills that may not be available to everyone. If you want to restore an antique for your own use, it's best to hire a professional who has experience in this area. If you don't know what you're doing, you could end up ruining your favorite piece of furniture and having to buy a new one anyway!
Painting walls
Painting walls is another common DIY mistake that many homeowners make. Painting walls is much more difficult than painting woodwork or other surfaces in your home because it requires lots of preparation work and precision with the paintbrush. It's usually cheaper and safer just to hire someone else to do this job for you!
Electrical systems
Electrical systems are dangerous and can be fatal. Unless you have the training and experience to work with electricity, it's best to leave this repair to a licensed electrician company, such as Total Appliance Repair Centre.
In addition to the obvious fire risk (which is always a possibility), there are many other reasons why electrical repairs should only be done by trained professionals:
- Electrical systems can be very complex; they contain circuit breakers, fuses and even built-in surge protectors that could cause damage if tampered with by someone who doesn't know what they're doing.
- Electrical components vary from house to house depending on how old it is and what kind of upgrades have been made over time - not all houses use the same type of wiring! A mistake in installing new wiring could cause serious issues down the road when something goes wrong again later on because it wasn't installed properly at first place.
Roofing
If you're a DIYer and you've got a roof that needs to be fixed, think twice before taking on the job yourself. Roofing is a dangerous job that requires special tools and training--and if you don't do it right, your home could be at risk of leaking or even collapsing. Even if you do manage to get through it without incident (which is unlikely), there's still one big reason why hiring professionals is better than doing it yourself: legal liability.
If something goes wrong with your roof after having done some repairs yourself, the person who hired them might blame their contractor for negligence if they discover later on that there was something wrong with those repairs. And then they'll sue both parties involved! So unless you want an expensive lawsuit hanging over your head when all this is said and done...hiring someone else makes sense here too.
HVAC repairs
Air conditioning and heating systems are complicated machines that require professional installation, maintenance and repair. If your HVAC system isn’t working properly, call in an expert immediately — especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or high humidity levels. Many parts of the country experience freezing temperatures during the winter months, while others experience scorching heat in the summertime. If you don’t have a reliable HVAC system at home, you could be putting your family at risk for serious injury or even death due to carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia during extreme weather conditions.
For many, there is a false belief that if you are handy with some tools and have some carpentry experience you can fix or build just about anything in your home. This simply is not true, as even the most experienced tradesman encounter projects that they prefer not to take on. It is better to meet with a professional and get the repairs done correctly for your safety and the longevity of your home's structural components.
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