Here’s the thing about homeowners. To avoid the expense of a contractor, they sometimes decide to deal with maintenance jobs themselves. “I can do this,” they tell themselves, before making a catastrophic mistake and damaging their homes further.
Need evidence?
Well, these epic DIY fails are just a few notable examples. They are funny to watch in a YouTube video, but there is a serious side. While you won’t get a sense of this from the linked video, there are many cases when people have done damage to themselves as well as their homes. Sadly, there are many instances when a DIY job has also caused a fatality.
The upshot of this for you?
Don’t take on home repair projects that you know could be dangerous. Especially when you’re not qualified to take them on, you might be asking for trouble. Change a lightbulb by all means, and replace a fuse when the power goes out. But don’t try to fix any of the following, for the sake of both your home and your health.
#1: Electrical faults
Flickering lights, burning smells, and hot outlets are just a few of the signs that indicate your home has electrical problems. Issues will often lie with the wiring which might be damaged in some way although there can be other reasons for electrical faults too. Trying to get to the bottom of any problem should be the duty of an electrician as if you try to handle your electrics alone, you run the risk of a shock or a house fire.
#2: Roofing problems
Missing tiles on the roof can be a problem for homes located in windy areas. And wear and tear can occur on any roof thanks to rain, storm, and sun damage. While you might be tempted to scale the ladders to fix any roofing problems yourself, you could be putting yourself at risk of a fall if your roof is tricky to navigate. That’s why it’s important to work with roofing experts if you are concerned about the condition of your roof. As stated by these Central Pennsylvania roofing professionals, sometimes a simple inspection and repair is the best way to prevent severe damage to your roof in the long run. They will also be able to advise you on the best kind of roofing material to use and any other issues that may arise. Repairs on top of your home are better left to a professional roofing service, so keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and call for assistance.
#3: Plumbing repairs
It’s relatively easy to unblock a toilet or a sink but it’s not so easy to repair any pipes that have become loose or that have sprung a leak. You can’t simply replace pipes either, as integrating them into your home requires skill and a knowledge of what type of pipes you need. So, when it comes to managing the water area in your kitchen or bathroom, don’t wade in alone if you’re not a professional. Seek the services of a plumber to avoid a flood of Biblical proportions.
#4: Faults with your gas appliances
If you detect faults within your gas appliances, such as your oven, gas furnace, or water heater, it is better to leave them well alone. While you might think you are following safety protocols when turning off the gas to manage a repair yourself, you still run the risk of a gas leak when you try to reinstall your appliance. As you will no doubt understand, if there is a leak, both your health and your home could be in serious danger. A reliable HVAC service is a much smarter solution than DIY-ing this job.
Think twice then before attempting any repair job at home. While there are some jobs you will be able to do, such as applying caulk to any cracks in your doors or windows, there are others that you shouldn’t do yourself. So, if there are any problems that require the services of a professional, pick up the phone instead of your hammer and screwdriver and give an expert a call.