How to Know When Your Home Improvement Project Calls for a Professional

Being a homeowner is a major responsibility. It’s up to you to keep your home in good shape through regular maintenance, dealing with problems, and even taking on major renovations at times. With all of this on your shoulders, it’s tempting to go the DIY route whenever you can.

The trouble comes when homeowners try to tackle projects they don’t have the skills or the right tools for. If you aren’t sure if you should DIY a project, take a tip from Money Crashers and ask yourself these three questions: Is it unsafe? Could it destroy your house? And does it require a permit? If the answer is yes to any, that’s a sure sign you need a professional.

Along with those guidelines, realtor Paul Burrowes suggests hiring a pro for these common projects.

HVAC Installation

Anytime you notice a problem with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, it’s likely to be one that leaves your family feeling uncomfortable. When your furnace stops heating your home, you may be able to diagnose a simple problem, but it’s important to know when you need a professional’s help or possibly a replacement.

If you end up needing a furnace replacement, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,795 to $6,290 for a new one. Make sure to consider the different options, along with labor, because this will determine how much the project actually costs.

Electrical Issues

Dealing with electrical problems is perhaps where you want to exercise the most caution since these projects have the greatest risk of serious injury. Even small electrical projects, like installing a light fixture, are considered advanced for someone who isn’t an electrician. One thing a homeowner can do is stay aware of potential electrical problems. For example, Family Handyman points out signs that you have an electrical problem that needs attention, such as outlets that are hot to the touch or lights that flicker.

The amount you’ll spend to hire an electrician can be as low as a few hundred dollars for simple repairs or installation projects, or several thousand dollars if you’re rewiring a house. The thing to keep in mind is that an electrician’s cost is determined by several factors, including the labor and materials required and the condition wiring is in currently. Of course, the cost is only one factor to consider anytime you hire a pro. You also want to find an electrician who specializes in the type of work you need to be done and who can deliver quality.

Major Plumbing Problems

Much like electrical work, a major plumbing problem is something you don’t want to mess around with. According to Bob Vila, there are some plumbing problems that homeowners can prevent. You may also want to try your hand at minor issues with plumbing that tend to happen frequently, such as fixing a leaky faucet or a running toilet. What you don’t want to do is find out too late that you’ve gotten in over your head with a plumbing DIY project because you run the risk of making the situation worse.

Outside the House

Not all major maintenance and repairs exist inside the house. Consider the exterior areas, including structural issues like driveways and walls that are cracked or eroding. Trees that are either ready to fall due to damage from a storm or are rotting pose a particularly immediate danger, especially if they are near the house, which should prompt calling in tree removal professionals to either cut the jeopardized trees down or remove debris.

Locating local tree specialists in your area is as simple as searching online service providers like Angi, which also provide ratings and customer reviews to help narrow the field. Many of these companies also offer stump grinding, pruning, and tree healthcare to address pest infestation and diseases.

Any homeowner should learn some basic carpentry and plumbing skills, and doing small projects yourself is a great way to stay on top of things while saving money. However, it’s just as important to know when to call a pro. Trust us — you’re better off making sure it’s done right!

Paul Burrowes brings 15 years of experience in real estate, excellent customer service and a commitment to work hard, listen and follow through. If you’re in the market to buy or sell in the Scott’s Valley area, reach out today! (831) 295-5130