6 Home Repairs You’ll Regret Trying to Do Yourself
6 Home Repairs You’ll Regret Trying to Do Yourself by Brittany Fisher
There’s something satisfying about fixing up a home yourself. Sure, it’s great to save a few dollars, but the real fun is in learning new skills and becoming more self-sufficient. However, no matter how much you enjoy a good DIY challenge, there are some projects you simply shouldn’t do yourself, including the ones listed below.
Tree Removal
Why DIY is a bad idea: Felling a tree or trimming large limbs yourself may save money over hiring a tree service, but it could cost far more if the tree falls on a house, car, power line, or person. There’s also the danger of trying to wrangle a chainsaw while on a ladder.
How to hire a pro: Davey Tree recommends only removing trees yourself if they’re small enough that you don’t need a ladder. Otherwise, contact a local tree service. They’ll assess the tree’s size and position before providing a quote.
Roof Repairs
Why DIY is a bad idea: Besides the risk of falling off your roof, roof repairs done incorrectly could let water leaks continue undetected until a much larger problem develops. It’s normal to want to save on this expensive job, which can cost anywhere from $4,900 to $14,100 for a full roof replacement, but hiring a roofing company is worth the money.
How to hire a pro: Rather than trying to save money with a DIY project, get multiple quotes to find the best deal. Roofing costs depend on a variety of factors, but you may be able to find a roofing company that charges less for complicating factors like a steep roof or skylights.
Gas Appliance Installation
Why DIY is a bad idea: Gas appliances have to be installed just right to prevent a gas leak, and a small mistake could lead to a fatal outcome.
How to hire a pro: Buying appliances from a retailer that offers delivery and installation is the easiest way to ensure your gas dryer, stove, furnace, or water heater is installed correctly. If that’s not an option, hire a plumber certified to work with gas lines to handle gas appliance repairs and replacements.
Asbestos Removal
Why DIY is a bad idea: Removing asbestos isn’t technically difficult, but it does pose a risk to your health. When inhaled, asbestos fibers damage the lungs and airways, and contribute to chronic health problems like mesothelioma.
How to hire a pro: If you think you’ve spotted asbestos while remodeling, stop your project and buy an asbestos test kit. If the results come back positive, contact an asbestos abatement specialist to remove the asbestos safely before continuing.
Garage Door Repairs
Why DIY is a bad idea: Garage door springs don’t look like much, but they hold a lot of tension. A mistake while removing or installing a garage door spring could damage the opener or, worse, cause a severe injury.
How to hire a pro: At an average cost of $200 to $300, replacing garage door springs is an inexpensive repair. Contact a local garage door company with details about the size and model of your garage door to get a quote.
Lead-Based Paint Removal
Why DIY is a bad idea: Can’t wait to repaint your vintage house? Before you start, check when it was built. If it’s before 1978, there’s a good chance it was painted with lead-based paint, which is linked to learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children, as well as headaches, nausea, and other symptoms in adults.
How to hire a pro: First, hire a certified lead inspector to test for lead-based paints. There are home test kits, but they only test the top layer and won’t detect lead that’s been painted over. If lead is present, you’ll have to hire a professional certified in lead abatement.
No amount of money saved is worth risking your health and safety or major damage to your home. The next time you get an itch for a DIY project, stick to the safe projects and let professionals handle these six repairs. Even when your budget is tight, a professional repair that keeps your home and family safe is money well spent.
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