When To Skip the DIY Home Repair

When it comes to home repair, it can be difficult to decide between doing it yourself and hiring someone to get the job done. There are many cases when a DIY home repair makes sense, but when should you step back and leave it to the pros? Here are a few things to consider before taking on new projects around the house.

Questions to ask yourself before you decide to tackle a home repair yourself.

• Do I understand the repair? First and foremost, it’s important to research the repair and gather all the information you can before you begin. Google and YouTube offer valuable information and can give you a good idea of what to expect. If you don’t feel 100% confident after learning more about the repair, we recommend not handling the repair on your own.
• What’s my time worth? Saving money is always a great thing, but the time it takes for a DIY repair could outweigh the money that you save. Although it may be more costly, a quality repair technician will be able to complete the project in a fraction of the time.
• What’s the worst case scenario? When assessing the home repair, take into account the worst case scenario if the repair were to go wrong. Is there a possibility for injury or damage to the home? These are things to keep in mind.

Projects to leave to a professional.

• Electrical. Electrical projects can be dangerous and extensive. We recommend that you hire a licensed electrician for any home repairs involving electricity.
• Plumbing. The occasional clogged toilet is bound to happen and can usually be fixed with a plunger. However, when you’ve got a basement full of water because of a burst pipe, that’s a different story. Don’t try to handle major plumbing repairs on your own. Even the smallest leak or a loose pipe can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.
• Roofing. The unfortunate truth is that you will need a new roof at some point if you own a house long enough. If you are not skilled and knowledgeable, trying to repair or replace a roof by yourself can lead to a variety of problems. Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home, don’t cut corners with this home repair.

Before you take on a DIY home repair, it’s important to keep these suggestions in mind. Ultimately, if you are uncomfortable with a repair, we always recommend hiring a professional that can get the job done right. It’s important to get a home inspection before purchasing a new home so that you can understand all of the home repairs you will need to make. At Inspect-It 1st, we believe in providing thorough home inspection services with the utmost integrity. Contact us today to set up your home inspection!