Home maintenance and repairs can be expensive, so you naturally want to save money whenever you can. In some cases, you may be able to solve a problem yourself, but in other instances, it makes more sense to call a professional.
HVAC Problems
Changing HVAC filters, calibrating the thermostat and lubricating the blower are fairly straightforward tasks that you can complete yourself. For annual maintenance, however, you should call a professional who can spot any problems that you would likely miss. Catching an issue early and getting it fixed can help you avoid a hefty repair bill down the line. If your furnace won’t turn on or you smell a strange odor, you should call an HVAC company. Several things could be causing the problem, and a professional can figure it out and make any necessary repairs.
Plumbing Issues
If your toilet is running, you can try replacing the flapper valve, float apparatus and fill tube. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call a plumber. There could be a leak or sediment that makes it hard for the toilet to flush and refill correctly. A leaky pipe can be fixed temporarily with products available at a home improvement store, but it will likely require more significant repairs by a plumber to prevent future problems. A drain can often be unclogged with a plunger or a drain cleaning liquid, but if the drain gets clogged on a regular basis, there’s a significant problem that needs to be handled by a plumber. A leaky faucet or low water pressure will likely require extensive repairs and should be left to a professional.
Electrical Work
Unless you have the necessary knowledge and experience, electrical issues are best handled by a professional. In addition to the danger of electrocution while making repairs, poorly executed electrical work could spark a fire. Your city or town may also require a permit and inspection for electrical work. It’s better to hire an electrician and have the job done right the first time than to do it wrong yourself and then need to hire someone to fix it.
Structural Repairs and Remodeling
If you have the time and training, you might be able to handle some minor remodeling projects yourself. You can easily learn how to lay down tile or paint a room, but knocking down walls, repairing the roof or building an addition should be left to professionals unless you’re sure that you know what you’re doing. A mistake could lead to a huge repair bill, and shoddy DIY repairs could put your family in danger. If you aren’t sure how to handle a complex project, hire a licensed contractor.
Make Wise Decisions
Homeownership can be expensive, and it’s understandable to want to save money. There are some repairs you can make yourself, but in many cases, it makes sense to call a professional. Spending some money now can help you avoid much more serious problems and much higher repair bills later.
