Considering the rising popularity of DIY household repairs and furnishing, it is no surprise that a lot of people are looking into tackling common repair jobs by themselves. But is it really advisable to do so? Or should you leave these repairs to the professionals? Let’s talk about it!
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing is one of the areas where fixing a problem yourself could actually lead to more damage.
Although it might be tempting to forego calling a plumber and instead attempt to fix the toilet or install a new pipe yourself, remember that improper plumbing repairs can lead to leakage or even greater damage. Water leaks can cause significant problems such as mold, rot, and water damage on walls and ceilings.
Minor problems such as cleaning a blocked drain or tightening a loose faucet can be dealt with on your own, but for anything bigger save yourself the trouble and call a professional plumber.
Electrical Fixes
It goes without saying that fiddling around with anything electricity related (without the necessary knowledge and equipment) could have serious repercussions. Apart from the very real danger of electrocution, botched electrical repair jobs could lead to fried appliances and power cuts.
Exposed wiring is extremely dangerous and a hazard to you and your family. If you’re facing any sort of electrical problems, get an electrician to take a look instead of attempting to fix them yourself.
Roof Repairs
Roof repairs—whether it is replacing shingles or fixing a leak—are no mean feat. First, you can’t dismiss the possibility of falling off no matter how careful you are. This is a risk even for professionals; data shows that roof falls account for the majority of work-related deaths among construction workers.
So don’t try to tackle major roofing work by yourself just for the sake of saving a few bucks since. We understand that roof installations can be expensive though—if you’re unsure about whether your roof needs to be replaced or just needs a repair, give this a read.
Flooring and Tiling Work
Although some types of flooring are easy to install, in general it is a pretty labor-intensive task requiring quite a bit of precision and accuracy. If not done correctly, you’ll be left with uneven flooring that will have to be torn up and replaced and cost you double the money.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was popularly used in the 20th century as an insulating material in homes and buildings. However, later on it was discovered that asbestos has toxic effects on humans and can cause lung scarring and mesothelioma.
Since then there have been large-scale efforts to remove asbestos from homes, but due to its toxicity only professionals can remove it safely. Do not attempt this yourself because it is a serious health hazard.
If you are worried that you might have asbestos in your house, here are some tips on how to test for it.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the five common repair jobs you’re better off leaving for the professionals include plumbing, electrical repairs, roofing repairs, flooring work and asbestos removal. This is because these jobs require skill and expertise to execute properly and crude repairs could result in further damage or be hazardous to health.
