Are you tired of spending a fortune on home repairs? DIY can be an excellent way to save money and learn new skills. However, some home repairs are best left to the professionals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common home repairs that you can tackle yourself and those where it’s always better to call in the experts. Get ready to become a handy homeowner!
HOME REPAIRS YOU CAN DIY
Electrical repairs
There are some home repairs that you can do yourself without having to hire a professional and basic electrical repair is one of them. However, advanced electrical repair requires a certified electrician. Find some DIY electrical repairs below:
I) Common electrical problems
Loose outlets:
Outlets can become loose over time, which can cause sparks and shocks. To fix this problem, simply tighten the screws on the outlet cover.
Frayed cords:
Cords can fray over time, which can also cause sparks and shocks. To fix this problem, replace the cord with a new one.
Tripped circuit breaker:
A circuit breaker may trip if there is too much current flowing through it. To fix this problem, find the source of the excessive current and remove it.
Dead outlets:
Outlets can stop working for various reasons, such as a loose wire or a blown fuse. To fix this problem, check the wiring and replace the fuse if necessary.
II) Electrical repairs that can be safely done by a homeowner
There are a few electrical repairs that can be safely completed by a homeowner. These include replacing outlet covers, replacing light switch covers, and replacing light bulbs. If you are not comfortable completing these repairs, or if you are unsure of how to properly complete them, it is best to hire a professional.
DIY Cabinet Door Replacement
DIY-ing your cabinet doors is a great way to save money on your home repairs. This would save you time and a lot of money.
I) Common cabinet door issues
One of the most common issues with cabinet doors is that they become warped or misshapen over time. This can be caused by humidity, temperature changes, or even just regular wear and tear. If your cabinet doors are starting to look a bit wonky, you may be able to fix them yourself with a little elbow grease.
If the door is made of wood, you can try to straighten it out by using clamps and a level. Place the door on a flat surface and line up the clamps so that they’re evenly spaced. Then, use a level to make sure the door is sitting level before tightening the clamps down. Once the door is clamped in place, leave it overnight to dry.
If your cabinet doors are made of metal or laminate, you’ll likely need to replace them entirely. These materials are much less forgiving than wood when it comes to warping, so it’s usually not worth trying to fix them yourself. Hiring a professional to replace your cabinet doors is always the best bet.
II) How to replace cabinet doors on your own
Remove the old doors:
Unscrew the hinges from the door and the cabinet frame. If the door is painted shut, use a putty knife to loosen it.
Prepare the new doors:
Attach new hinges to the door according to their instructions. If necessary, sand or trim the door so it fits properly in the opening.
Install the new doors:
Screw the hinges into place on the cabinet frame. Make sure the doors are level and hung evenly before screwing them in place.
With enough patience and supplies, you can even create cabinet doors similar to Ikea kitchen cabinet doors at home.
III) Materials needed for cabinet door repair:
- Cabinet doors
- Screws
- Hinges
- Drill
- Paint or stain (optional)
HOME REPAIR TO ALWAYS HIRE A PRO FOR
There are certain home repairs that you should never attempt to do on your own, as they can be extremely dangerous or even cause further damage to your home. Here are a few!
When it comes to plumbing repairs, there are some things that you can do yourself and others best left to a professional. Knowing which is which can save you time and money. This guide will show you how to handle some common plumbing problems on your own. But first, let’s take a look at when it’s best to hire a professional:
I) Common plumbing issues:
The most common plumbing issues are clogged drains and leaky pipes. Clogged drains can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or grease.
To prevent clogged drains, make sure to use a drain cover and clean your drains regularly. Leaky pipes can be caused by loose fittings, cracked pipes, or frozen pipes. To prevent leaks, make sure to check your pipes regularly for any damage and have them repaired as soon as possible.
II) Importance of hiring a professional plumber:
Hiring a professional plumber has several advantages over attempting to fix plumbing problems yourself. Professional plumbers have the training and experience to correctly diagnose and repair plumbing issues. They also have the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Attempting to fix plumbing problems yourself can often make them worse and can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
HVAC Repairs
HVAC repairs are one of those home repair projects that you should always hire a professional to handle. While there are some minor repairs that you can do yourself, anything more serious should be left to the experts. Trying to repair your HVAC system on your own can be dangerous and may even void your warranty.
I) Common HVAC problems
If your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system isn’t working properly, it can cause a lot of discomforts – and cost you a lot of money in energy bills. Some common HVAC problems include:
- Cleaning or changing air filters
- Clearing debris from around outdoor condenser units
- Unclogging drains and drip pans
- Sealing ductwork leaks
- Insulating exposed ductwork
II) Importance of hiring a professional HVAC technician
Hiring a professional HVAC technician is important for several reasons. First, they have the knowledge and experience to properly install or repair your HVAC system. This ensures that your system will operate safely and efficiently.
Second, professionals have the tools and equipment needed to do the job right. Third, they can identify potential problems with your system and make recommendations to prevent future issues. Finally, professionals provide peace of mind by ensuring that your HVAC system is in good working condition.
Structural Repairs
While you may be able to patch up a hole in the drywall or replace a doorknob, it is always a wise decision to leave the big stuff to the experts.
I) Common structural issues
Leaky roofs:
Leaky roofs are one of the most commonly occurring structural damages within many houses. There are many reasons like cracks in the roof, poor structural quality, or wear and tear.
Sagging floors:
If your floors are sagging, it’s usually because the support beams underneath them have become weakened. Experts can reinforce these beams yourself by adding some new lumber or steel supports.
Cracked walls:
If your walls are cracked, it’s probably because the foundation of your house has shifted or due to faulty build quality.
II) Why hiring a professional is necessary for structural repairs
There are some home repairs that you can definitely do yourself, like painting the walls or fixing a leaky sink. But when it comes to structural repairs, it’s always best to hire a professional. Here’s why:
- Structural repairs are usually more complex than simple DIY projects. If you’re not experienced in construction or repair work, attempting a structural repair could make the problem worse.
- Structural repairs often require specialised tools and equipment that most homeowners don’t have access to.
- Hiring a professional ensures that the repair is done correctly the first time, which can save you time and money in the long run.
- Professional contractors are insured in case something goes wrong during the repair process.
- In some cases, local building codes may require that structural repairs be completed by a licensed contractor.
Conclusion
Doing your own home repairs can be a cost-effective way to save money and maintain your home, but there are some projects for which it is always best to hire a professional.
By understanding the difference between DIY jobs and hiring a pro, you will be able to protect yourself from potential disasters while also saving money in the long run. Knowing when to tackle something on your own and when it’s time for an expert’s help is key!
Dhruv Mehta is a Digital Marketing Professional who works as a brand consultant and provides solutions in the digital era. In his free time, he loves to write about industrial tools, finance & home decor. Follow him on Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.
