Thanks to DIY resources on YouTube and home improvement websites, more homeowners are getting their hands dirty with DIY home improvements. Completing your own repairs and renovations is a smart way to save money and hone your skills, especially when it comes to small jobs like fixing a leaky sink. However, there are some repairs that are best left to the pros if you want to avoid wasting money, damaging your home, or worse.
6 Home Repairs You Shouldn’t DIY
Taking on repairs you’re not qualified to do can have costly consequences. Leading Vegas Realty presents reasons why you shouldn’t DIY these six home repairs.
Roof Repairs
Over one-third of all fatal falls happen from a roof or ladder. While many of those injured in falls are professional roofers, that just goes to show that even people who know what they’re doing can get hurt on a roof. Since you’re not a roofing pro, the safest place to be is on the ground.
Most roof repairs aren’t expensive enough to be worth the risk anyway. Repairing a few missing or damaged shingles may cost as little as $200 to $300, whereas repairing larger sections of roofing costs $500 to $2,000 depending on the material.
Electrical Work
Replacing a light fixture with the same wiring in the same location is a project most homeowners can handle without a problem. Anything more complicated, however, and hiring an electrician is a must. A small wiring mistake could cause electrocution, lead to a house fire, or prevent your home from selling if the work isn’t up to code.
The price of electrical work varies widely depending on what you need. Most electricians charge $40 to $120 an hour, plus a service fee. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for small jobs like replacing or installing an outlet, and $4,000 to $8,000 for a major project like rewiring the home.
Tree Removal
If you need to remove a tree from your yard, it’s always best to call in a team of experienced professionals. Not only is removing a tree potentially dangerous to you, but it could also cause serious damage to your home if done incorrectly. So, find a local service that you can trust (read reviews from sites like Angi to help inform your decision) and hire them to handle any tree-removal tasks you have lined up for your yard. Just keep in mind that you’ll pay between $50 and $1,500 for this service — more if you have a large tree.
Construction Waste Disposal
Home renovations produce a lot of waste, and someone has to get rid of it. But should it be you? While many waste facilities allow drop-offs for a fee, getting it there isn’t easy. Even if you have a vehicle large enough, you need a way to load and unload your waste. That’s fine if it’s a few pieces of lumber, but when large items enter the picture, self-disposal becomes a hazard.
For most homeowners, hiring a junk removal service is more practical than doing it themselves. Junk haulers can remove construction waste, appliances, mattresses, and other cumbersome items.
Gas Line Repairs
Much like electrical repairs, when DIY gas repairs go wrong, they go very wrong. A natural gas leak can cause fires and poisoning, and the signs of a leak aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye (or nose). It’s a good idea to inspect gas-powered appliances like furnaces and water heaters on a regular basis, but leave repairs to the professionals.
For gas line repairs, you’ll need to hire a plumber specializing in natural gas. The cost to install a new gas line runs $20 to $25 per linear foot, plus a service fee for the house call. The cost to repair a gas line leak depends on where it is. Repairing a leak at an appliance is cheap, around $150 to $250, but repairing a buried line could cost upwards of $5,000.
Mold Remediation
Mold isn’t just unsightly. It’s also dangerous. If you’re dealing with a mold patch that’s three feet by three feet or smaller, the EPA says it’s safe to clean yourself with protective gear. However, more extensive mold growth should be handled by a mold remediation contractor.
Saving money is always great, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health and safety. When it comes to these home repairs, hire a pro with the experience to do the job correctly. This way, you can hone your DIY skills on the countless projects that don’t put your well-being at risk.
Bret Engle | DiyGuys.net
