DIY projects have become more prevalent in recent years. However, there are jobs around the home that you should leave to professionals. Good home management entails knowing the difference between projects you can handle yourself and those you should leave to professionals. For every maintenance job around your home, there’s a professional that can make it happen. On that note, this article explores five home maintenance jobs you should live to the professionals.
1. HVAC System Maintenance
A typical HVAC system requires routine maintenance and inspection to function optimally. Experts recommend replacing the filter in heating and cooling systems every month. Repairs concerning heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, or other HVAC systems must be left to HVAC professionals.
Keep in mind that the HVAC system is made up of complex electrical and gas systems. That’s why HVAC technicians need to undergo ongoing training to install and repair them properly. Get a professional to run system diagnostics, change filters, clean coils and drain lines.
Nowadays, HVAC companies offer annual service contracts to homeowners to cover for the entire year. These contracts typically cover yearly tune-ups and emergency repairs. Leaving your HVAC repairs to certified technicians with a solid reputation in the HVAC industry ensures your system runs more efficiently.
2. Plumbing
There are some plumbing tasks that you can do yourself, like fixing clogged drains, changing a showerhead, or leaking pipes. By way of example, a leaking pipe requires you to tighten the connection or replace the leaking part to fix. However, bigger plumbing jobs like remodeling shower installations in your home need a certain level of expertise.
Not everyone possesses the mechanical skills required to do plumbing repair work. Some people find it daunting even with the aid of instructional videos. Attempting plumbing jobs without the proper knowledge could result in expenses more significant than the cost of hiring a plumber. Worse yet, plumbing not done correctly can be downright dangerous in the long run.
3. Electrical Repairs
There’s no denying that electrical repairs can be dangerous. Electrical repairs are a critical home renovation project that you never play with. Quite often, this type of task requires the expertise of licensed electricians. Electrical jobs include lights dimming when an appliance is turned on, circuit breaker tripping off, dysfunctional outlets, and light fixtures flickering. If you’re not a certified electrician, the safest thing to do is hire a reliable and experienced professional to handle the repairs. Electricians are well versed in safety protocols and codes that mitigate hazards.
4. Roofing
Replacing or repairing damaged roofing tiles is popular among DIY-minded homeowners. These tasks have the potential to go wrong in an instant. It only takes a shove or one misstep to fall over the edge and sustain life-threatening injuries. Studies show that falls from roofs constitute a significant proportion of fall-related construction fatalities.
Essentially, the risks associated with attempting a roof repair or replacement task outweigh the cost of hiring a roofing expert. Contracting a roofing contractor helps mitigate the risk of personal injury. In addition, poorly executed roofing maintenance jobs can significantly lower your home’s curb appeal and resale value. The bottom line is that it is vanity risking your life for something that may not impact your finances.
5. Structural Changes
If you are planning a home improvement project that involves structural changes, resist the urge to do it yourself. You should never attempt this kind of project without consulting a licensed structural engineer. Breaking down walls without providing adequate support could cause some significant damage to the building. Also, remember that some walls house necessary electrical wiring and plumbing inside, and ripping down a wall carelessly can affect critical installations.
Furthermore, doing a building project without the necessary permits could earn you some hefty fines. Even if you have the rewired permits, remember to check with a licensed building engineer to cover all your bases.
