09/13

Whether you’re in your first home or your seventh, you likely know that maintenance and minor repairs are just part of the dream. Thanks to the internet, some of these tasks have been made much easier with on-demand advice and do-it-yourself videos.

However, our teams are here to tell you some genres of projects may not be worth tackling yourself – depending on your patience and skill level. We all know doing work on your own, instead of hiring a professional, can save you a significant amount of money upfront, but it may not be worth it in the long run – especially if you plan on selling your home anytime in the future.

Here are a few projects that are best left to the professionals, generally speaking.

Electrical work. This should be an obvious one, especially if you have zero training and understanding of electrical systems. Electricity is a potentially fatal, invisible force. What we mean is that a dead wire with no electricity looks the same as a fully charged one. 

In addition to the risk of bodily harm, there’s the potential of fire if you do something wrong – either at the time of the repair, or much later on. That’s right, an improperly connected wire could spark a fire at any time in the future. If these sentences scare you, you should certainly call a professional. The peace of mind will be worth it 

Roofing. Roofing is not as technical a job as an electrical project, but it’s just as important. Your home protects you and all of your belongings from the weather and so much more. Water damage and mold are the most common issues when it comes to your roof, besides age. If you don’t venture into your attic often this issue can become very serious before it’s even discovered. Plus, we haven’t even talked about the risk of falls yet…

Plumbing. This is another area where any improper work can lead to problems later on. Even if it’s not as “dangerous,” as electrical work, it’s just as important to have a plumbing repair done right the first time. The most common risk is a leak causing mold and damage to the structure of your home, which will only get worse over time. 

Windows and doors. Replacing or repairing windows and doors is like working on the roof. They are what protect you from the outdoors, so it is important that the work is done right. Often, these repairs aren’t too complicated. However, if details and exact measurements aren’t your thing, it’s best to call a professional. Sometimes the stress isn’t worth it.

No matter what is on your to-do list, it’s important to always weigh the risks versus rewards. Our team wants you to always keep a happy – and well-maintained – home. Whether it’s by doing it yourself or hiring a professional, the thing that matters is a repair gets done right, and we support doing whatever is in your best interest.