Ah yes, the trusty homeowner’s dilemma…
Something breaks. Something leaks. Something makes a strange noise.
You immediately Google how to fix it.
Sound familiar?
DIY repairs are awesome…in theory. They can save you loads of money if done correctly.
But here’s the thing…
Some repairs should absolutely not be done DIY. They’re dangerous. Some are complicated. And others will end up costing you even more money if you try to fix them alone.
The good news? Figuring out which home repairs need a professional touch is actually pretty simple. And getting it right can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Not to mention prevent serious injury to you and your family.
Let’s dive into…
- Why Some Home Repairs Should Never Be DIY’d
- Which Repairs Always Need a Professional
- Why HVAC Services Are The Biggest DIY Danger Zone
- How To Avoid Costly DIY Mistakes
Why Some Home Repairs Should Never Be DIY’d
Fixing a leaky faucet or painting a bedroom? No problem. Small weekend projects like these are perfect for DIY repairs.
Where homeowners run into trouble is trying to handle projects that should be left to licensed experts. Think electrical work, gas lines, and HVAC services.
With these things, it’s not just that they may be difficult…
They’re dangerous.
A professional HVAC company can install new heating and cooling systems, repair old ones, and even handle maintenance and preventative repairs. HVAC services in Lancaster keep these complex systems operating safely for years to come.
Unfortunately, homeowners don’t always realize how unsafe DIY repairs can be. A recent survey showed that 58% of homeowners spent more money than intended on DIY repairs due to simple mistakes.
But that’s not even the worst of it…
The problem is most DIY repairs don’t just “not work”. They often cause new, more expensive problems.
Don’t believe us? Here’s a list of repairs that should always be left to the pros.
The Repairs That Always Need A Professional
Not sure which repairs require a professional? Here’s a list of common repairs that should always go to a trained expert.
Electrical
Need to rewire the house? Install a new light fixture? Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires. Even minor electrical work comes with risks of shock, burns, and worse.
Always hire a professional electrician for any electrical work in your home.
HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling systems are complicated. They use high voltage electricity, chemical refrigerants, and often natural gas.
One wrong move could mean dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Or even fire. And a broken HVAC system is an expensive repair.
Stick with professional HVAC services near you to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Structural Changes
Thinking of removing a wall or two to open up space? Be careful. Not all walls are created equal. Your home relies on support walls to keep its structure intact.
Taking down the wrong wall could do more than cost you money. It could cause serious structural damage to your home.
Roofing
It’s simple physics – heights are dangerous. Falls are one of the most common injuries suffered by DIYers.
Roofing involves more than just breaking your back. You need to know which materials are best to prevent leaks and costly water damage.
Plumbing
Got a dripping faucet? That’s fine to fix on your own. But if you start messing with main water lines, sewer systems, or water heaters. Call a plumber.
When in doubt, call a professional plumber to take care of major plumbing repairs.
Safety and expertise are really the themes behind all of these repairs. Each of these repair categories require specialized knowledge. And when done wrong can lead to serious harm to your home (or family).
HVAC Services: The Biggest DIY Danger Zone
Here’s a home repair threat most people don’t see coming…
HVAC services combine high voltage electricity, pressurized chemicals, and often natural gas. All into one tightly packed system.
Yup. It’s as bad as it sounds.
Did you know capacitors inside HVAC units remain electrically charged even after the power’s turned off? Many homeowners don’t. Touch the wrong thing and boom…electrical shock.
Not to mention HVAC systems use a special kind of chemical refrigerant.
In most states, you need to be EPA certified to handle HVAC refrigerant. If there was a leak, you could be looking at serious environmental damage (not to mention health hazards).
But here’s the scary part.
Carbon Monoxide
Gas leak explosions get all of the drama. But the silent killer with HVAC systems is carbon monoxide.
If your furnace isn’t repaired properly, you can crack the heat exchanger. The result? Carbon monoxide leaks into your home. And poison you and your family without you ever knowing it.
That’s why professional HVAC services should never be DIY’d. Technicians have specialized training to spot problems. And know how to stay safe while fixing them.
How To Avoid Costly DIY Mistakes
Let’s face it. Most DIY projects end up costing more than they’re worth.
One survey showed that 87% of homeowners ran into an issue that required professional repair or maintenance in the last year. Yikes.
Here’s an even more telling stat…
17% of homeowners who attempted DIY repairs made further damage to their home.
How do you avoid becoming part of that statistic?
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Follow these easy rules and you’ll never have to worry about paying for an expensive DIY mistake.
- Know when to call a pro. If it involves electricity, gas lines, or anything pressurized. Play it safe and call a licensed professional to take care of it.
- Check your local building codes. Some repairs require permits and/or inspections. Failing to get the proper paperwork can result in fines. Or be a pain when you go to sell your house.
- Get a few quotes. Repair services can often be affordable. Don’t worry that you’re just being “nicked” by professionals. Get 2-3 quotes from local businesses so you know you’re getting a fair price.
- Invest in maintenance. The number one cause of HVAC failure and plumbing emergencies can be prevented with regular maintenance from a professional. It’s always cheaper to maintain than to repair.
- Don’t void warranties. Many heating and cooling systems come with warranties that become void if an unlicensed person works on them. That’s just throwing money away.
Pulling It All Together
Knowledge is power when it comes to home repairs. Understanding what can be safely done by yourself and what should be left to professionals can save you money. And keep your family safe.
Remember…
Small cosmetic repairs are always a fun DIY project. But electrical work, HVAC services, and structural repairs are never okay to DIY.
Don’t let your guard down either. DIY repairs often end up costing more than they would have to fix professionally. They also can cause more damage to your home.
And as we’ve discussed… HVAC systems are particularly dangerous to mess with on your own.
Above all else, schedule professional HVAC services and maintenance to keep your home running smoothly season after season.