Us girls are more than capable of carrying out all manner of house repair jobs if we are inclined to do so, but there are some DIY tasks that just better left to experts. And that doesn’t necessarily mean men! Female tradesmen are becoming more common and it shouldn’t be a surprise if your local plumber or electrician is a lady. Irrespective of sex though, the criteria for deciding on whether to do house repair jobs yourself really boils down to two things – is it dangerous or do I need to be an expert? Making the wrong decision can leave you seriously out of pocket, or even injured, should things not go to plan. Here are some house repair jobs you shouldn’t do yourself.
House repair jobs involving anything potentially dangerous or requiring specific knowledge are best left alone. If you are an enthusiastic Do It Yourself person, then the opportunity to save a few dollars could be a temptation. Just keep in mind that this is not only dangerous if something goes wrong, but could also result in your spending thousands of dollars to repair any damage. This also applies to DIY repairs revolving around structural building repairs or extensions. Sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry!
Should you be in the fortunate position of being able to claim for any home repair jobs, then it would not be advisable to attempt the work yourself. This could result from community or government reimbursement programs or an insurance payment for a damages claim. Although you may be tempted to bank the payout, having the job completed professionally by qualified workers is guaranteed, saves you time and could add value to your property.
There are many and varied zoning laws and building restrictions as well as any potential affects on insurance rates. The repairs process may need the expertise or oversight of a licensed and qualified professional. By not adhering to the specified regulations, you could become involved in a costly and prolonged course of action. In many circumstances, it is less stressful and could even cost less to let the experts complete the job.
Some home repair jobs may appear simple, but you just need a couple of special tools. This is where the problems arise. The repairs could be related to some outdated services in the home that must be upgraded. You then start asking various suppliers about the cost of buying the tools you need and after recovering from that shock, you then change tactics to renting them; same story, extremely high prices. If this is a one-off job, balance the materials and costs involved, your time and the inconvenience. Compare these estimates with employing professional contractors, who may not only save you money, but a lot of frustration.
In certain work related to a structure, there is usually a degree of labor intensive work involved. Whether mixing concrete, brick laying or putting a lawn down, it needs people power. Getting the right workers at the right wages, planning and supervising their work and dealing with the odd mishaps and disputes that can occur on any work site are all part of it. If you have repair jobs around the home that need this type of dedication and time on your part, it could be well worth your employing a professional to do the job for you.
You could be faced with home repairs that involve the use of heavy duty machinery or other equipment. Replacing damaged drain pipes or any other task that means digging up the garden and surroundings is a challenge. Not only is it the actual work but also how it is done without creating havoc to unseen cables, pipes and other necessary and expensive items lurking underground. You rent the machinery, but it seems more practical to let the experts handle it.
When a home owner builds on additions or makes renovations to a property, it is usually with the intention of improving it and the same with major jobs for repairing a house. Expert design and planning of any renovations or additions are crucial and unfortunately, there are too many examples of houses where DIY perspectives and energy are visible. When you want a vehicle converted, you go to a panel shop who knows their job. The same with renovations and additions to a house; get the experts in. It could save you in the long term!
Don’t ever be put off DIY because you’re a girl. You can be successful with home repair jobs as long as you know your limits. If it’s dangerous or requires expert knowledge, pay someone else to do it! Are you a DIY enthusiast?