Nowadays, the Internet has published so many Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guides to fixing pretty much any home repair that you could think of – and they make them sound so easy. Unfortunately, not all of us are so technically inclined and the last thing you want to happen is find yourself in the middle of a project only to find yourself overwhelmed. While there are plenty of little things that can easily be done yourself with someone with little or no technical knowledge, there are some projects that you should never attempt without at least some professional assistance.
Here are the top 4 home repair projects, in reverse order, that are best performed by a handyman or other home repair or remodeling professional.
4) Concrete Flooring Repairs
Is your business or restaurant is seeing extensive wear and tear on a concrete floor or any commercial type flooring? It’s best to leave it to a commercial flooring professional so that you have peace of mind that the job is done correctly and swiftly.
3) Roofing Repairs
It’s very possible that someone who is reasonably handy could shingle a garage roof or do some patchwork on the roof of a single-story home. But anything beyond that really should have at least the assistance of a handyman or other home repair professional. The number one concern here is that it is actually rather easy to fall off of a roof, even a flat roof. Also, because of the great amount of work involved, the exhaustion of someone who is not typically used to this sort of work could cause a stumble that can lead to serious, if not fatal, injury.
Also, incorrectly repaired roofs – something that actually happens more than you think it should – can lead to leaky roofs and expensive water damage. It’s one of those things that if you pay for the professional help the first time, you can save thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars of future repair work later.
2) Plumbing
There is a reason that plumbers make as much money as they do. Plumbing work done incorrectly can lead to very small leaks that while may sound harmless, can over time do damage that could cost you thousands of dollars in future repair costs. While replacing a shower head or a faucet is something that should be something done easily yourself, you need to make sure that you’re not seeing any leaks. Water has a way of being one of the most destructive substances around. If you see that the plumbing under the sink or in your basement is showing any signs of leakage, you really should call a plumber to check it out. The upfront cost of bring a pro in will be far less expensive than the potential damage that a leak could inevitably cause.
1) Electricity
Besides the obvious threat of electrocution, electrical repairs really should be done by a pro. Installing light switches or ceiling fans isn’t really a problem as long as you know the circuit is shut down. It’s best to buy a volt meter to test for any remaining currents just to be sure. Of course, an electrician can do that for you. Also, in some areas, any electrical work beyond the absolute basics that you do on your house requires a permit, meaning that a pro will absolutely need to be involved. A professional electrician may also discover problems that you never may have known about. Electrical fires are sadly more common than you would think, so if there is any doubt in your mind about anything having to do with electricity, call a pro.
If there is any repair or remodeling project that you have any doubts about being able to do yourself, please give your local pro a call. For the four above, especially, we highly recommend that you definitely seek professional assistance. It’s for the long-term good of your home and especially you and your family’s safety.