There are some home repairs that even the most enthusiastic DIY-er should consider leaving to a professional. While it may be tempting to try and take on every repair project around the house, there are some that are simply better left to those with the experience and expertise. Here are six home repairs that you should consider calling a pro for:
1. Roofing repairs
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it’s also one of the most dangerous places to work on. Roofing repairs should always be left to a professional, as even a small mistake can lead to serious injury or damage to your home.
Professionals have the training and experience necessary to safely and effectively repair your roof. They also have the proper equipment, which means they can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Local roofing contractors also know the most appropriate roofing type of homes in your area. If you live in Portland or nearby cities in Oregon, Portland roofing contractors will recommend shingles as excellent roofing materials for the dry summers and wet winters of the state. Roofing contractors will also do a more thorough inspection of your roof and will recommend repairs that will immediately address your roofing problems and prevent them from getting more complicated.
Trying to repair your roof yourself is not only dangerous, but it’s also likely to be ineffective. You could end up causing more damage to your roof, or you could void your warranty if you use the wrong materials or make a mistake.
It’s always best to play it safe and leave roofing repairs to the professionals. Not only will you avoid injury or damage to your home, but you’ll also get the job done right the first time.
2. Replacing or repairing major appliances
When a major appliance breaks down, it can be tempting to try to fix it yourself. After all, you’re handy around the house and you’ve watched enough YouTube videos to know that anything is possible with a little elbow grease.
But when it comes to replacing or repairing major appliances, DIY enthusiasts should always leave it to a pro. Here’s why:
- It’s safer. Appliances like washing machines and dryers use a lot of electricity. If you’re not experienced in working with electrical wiring, you could seriously injure yourself – or even start a fire.
- It’s more cost-effective. You might think that you’re saving money by fixing your appliance yourself, but that’s not always the case. If you make a mistake, you could end up causing more damage – which will ultimately cost you more to fix.
- You’ll get it fixed faster. Appliance repair technicians are trained to troubleshoot and fix appliances quickly and efficiently. chances are good that they’ll be able to get your appliance up and running again in no time – whereas you might be stuck tinkering with it for days (or even weeks).
- Your warranty may be void. Most appliances come with a warranty, but that warranty will likely be void if you try to repair the appliance yourself. So, if something does go wrong, you’ll have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket.
- You could void your insurance. Some homeowners insurance policies will not cover damages caused by improper installation or repair. So, if you try to fix your appliance yourself and something goes wrong, your insurance company may refuse to pay for the damages.
3. Installing or repairing electrical wiring
Electricity is nothing to mess around with, and even something as seemingly simple as changing out a light fixture can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re not confident in your ability to work with electrical wiring, it’s best to leave it to a professional. They can safely and properly install or repair any electrical wiring in your home, and can do so much faster than you could on your own.
4. Plumbing repairs
Plumbing is another area where it’s best to leave the repairs to a professional. While some small plumbing repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet, may be relatively easy to do yourself, more complex repairs, like fixing a burst pipe, are best left to those with experience. Professionals also have access to the right tools and equipment needed to make the repair, which can save you time and money.
5. Major carpentry projects
Carpentry is another area where experience is key. If you’re not confident in your ability to safely and properly complete a major carpentry project, it’s best to leave it to a professional. They can not only do the job right, but they can often do it much faster than you could on your own.
6. Pest control
Pest control is another area where it’s best to leave the work to a professional. While there are some DIY pest control methods that may work for small infestations, serious infestations are best handled by those with experience. Professionals have access to the right tools and products needed to effectively get rid of pests, and can often do so much faster than you could on your own.
Not all repairs are created equal, and there are some that are best left to the professionals. If you’re not confident in your ability to safely and properly complete a repair, it’s usually best to call a pro. They have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and can often do so much faster than you could on your own.
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