Buying your own home is an exciting achievement that anyone would be proud of. It comes with added independence and of course the pride of saying something is yours. However, along with the impressive achievement of becoming a homeowner is also a big responsibility.
Whereas renters have a landlord to call, homeowners depend on themselves to make sure repairs are done. And while some fixes are fairly straightforward and can be easily done by yourself, others call on the help of a professional.
Knowing which tasks are better done on your own and which ones are better left to the professionals can make a world of difference in your homeowner experience. Wasting money on a professional for something that could easily be done yourself can lead to lost resources, whereas attempting to fix a plumbing issue yourself and consequently bursting a pipe is also a waste of money. To help you, here are some repairs you can and cannot do on your own.
Yes You Can:
Fix a Faucet
A leaky faucet is pesky and can lead to unwelcome sound effects not to mention a higher water bill. Yet, in most cases, it’s as simple as replacing a worn-out washer or o-ring to stop the leak. Just make sure you turn off the water supply and follow a YouTube tutorial on how to disassemble the faucet and replace the parts.
Patch Small Holes in The Wall
There are all sorts of reasons why we might find ourselves with a small hole in the wall. Perhaps we pulled a little too hard when removing a nail, or maybe a doorknob slammed into drywall and left a ding.
The great news is that minor holes and walls can easily be repaired with a little bit of spackle and paint. It’s a simple fix that can totally transform the appearance of your walls and is not dangerous or difficult to do. It’s as simple as buying some spackle and applying it evenly with a putty knife. Use some sandpaper to smooth it and cover it with paint. Yes, it’s really that simple!
No You Can’t
Do Electrical Repairs
Acts like rewiring circuits or installing new outlets, or anything else that involves electrical work, is considered extremely dangerous without professional training. Faulty wiring may seem okay at the moment, yet down the line can lead to a full-fledged house fire.
Saving a little money on an electrician is not worth putting your family and neighbors’ lives at risk. Always leave electrical work to the pros as it’s a major safety concern otherwise.
Fix Major Plumbing Issues
Anything beyond a leaky faucet is considered a major plumbing issue, and should always be to a professional. Incorrect repairs could cause serious water damage to your property and even contamination. Plumbers have the right expertise and know-how to diagnose and fix problems—without making things worse.
