If you are good with tools and machinery, then DIY is a great pastime to get into. It’s a fun activity that you can do with your friends or even involve the kids and the family. Being able to work with tools and being able to carry out different jobs around the home is an invaluable skill, but there are some things that are better left to the professionals. Before hiring these professionals, check if they are legit by visiting their company website. Some companies will even give you a free inspection and a money-back guarantee. Here are a few projects you should leave to an expert rather than trying on your own.
1. Pest Removal
Mold, fungus, termite infestations, and other pests are common occurrences in homes. Whether that is because of a faulty HVAC system, a wet basement, or a compromised crawl space, these pests can be difficult to get rid of. Moreover, things like lead and fungus also pose serious health risks. Inhaling these substances or getting in any kind of physical contact with them can even be fatal. This is something that you need a trained professional to help you with. An expert will not only remove these things safely but he or she will help in preventing them from recurring.
2. Paving
While tarmac and cemented driveways are extremely durable, eventually they start to chip and crack after extensive exposure to water and extreme temperatures. Fixing a cemented driveway is relatively easy, but if you need to repair a tarmac driveway, that requires skill and specialized machinery. It would not be worth your time or money to invest in all the required machinery. Moreover, the job requires different things to be done simultaneously so you’ll still need a team to help you out. It will be much easier to get an expert for this job.
3. Roofing
While repairing the roof isn’t a very technical task, it is an extremely risky one. If you aren’t well versed with roof repairs and you don’t have the right equipment for the job, it can be very dangerous to do. People often don’t realize the importance of a good quality roof. It plays a big role in making your home energy efficient and providing strength and stability to the overall structure. It’s also a good idea to get a professional every six months to physically inspect the condition of the roof. This will help uncover problems before they become major issues.
4. Windows
Replacing a window seems like a straightforward task but there is more that goes into it than meets the eye. You can manage a glass replacement on your own but a complete window replacement should be done by a professional. The difficult part is ensuring that the window is properly sealed into the frame. When removing or installing the window, if the frame is chipped or broken even slightly, this can cause leakage and also cause the window to not sit right in its housing. Poor window installation will cause weak heating and cooling in the home which increases your energy costs.
5. Tree Removal
Bad weather or pests like termites can cause severe damage to a tree. In many cases, the only solution is to completely remove the tree and start fresh. However, tree removals are also very risky jobs since you are dealing with very large and heavy plants. If the tree were to fall in the wrong direction it could have severe consequences.
Tree removal experts will evaluate the area where the tree is installed and then come up with an appropriate strategy to manage the job. Moreover, they will also have the right equipment and machinery to safely handle full tree removal.
6. Electric Work
If it’s some basic electrical job like replacing a light bulb, you can easily do it on your own. However, if you need to change a socket or install a new breaker, or even make a new power connection to a different area of the home, it’s best to get some expert help. Working with electricity is very risky on its own so it’s important you have the right tools and safety gear.
Moreover, the power system for the entire home is interconnected so a problem in one area of the home could damage the power supply to other areas. Electrical work is also quite technical, so unless you know what you are doing, it is best to not pursue these projects on your own.
Other than safety and technicality, you also have to consider the legality of undertaking the project yourself. Doing work on certain parts of the home may void your warranty for that product or even your home warranty. When selecting a professional to carry out repair and maintenance work you need to ensure that they are certified and qualified for the job. Going for the cheapest option is not always the best idea.
