A home is the biggest expense you’ll ever incur – and the costs continue adding up even after closing. Repairs and maintenance are par for the course when owning a home. While you can tackle a lot of these jobs on your own, there are some home repairs you should never attempt unless you have the proper training and skills.
1. Foundation Issues
A home’s foundation is one of its most important components. It’s also one of the most complicated. One wrong move, and you could wind up with astronomical repairs.
Hairline cracks are common in foundations as homes settle, but if you find large gaps, it’s time to call in a professional.
Foundation issues can cause warped door and window frames, and a host of other issues no homeowner wants to deal with.
2. Roof Damage
A home’s roof is a dangerous place, especially in the winter. While roof repair may seem like a simple job, it requires a skilled professional to get the job done right.
Professional roofers know what to look for when repairing a roof – things the average homeowner would probably overlook.
DIY roof repair is never a good idea. You could wind up hurting yourself, or putting the structural integrity of your home in jeopardy.
3. Broken Sewer Pipes
If your home’s sewer line is acting up, you may be dealing with backed-up toilets and strange odors in your home. You may have the motivation and will to tackle this repair yourself, but this is one job you definitely want to leave to the professionals.
For starters, you have no idea where the repair is located. Second, you’d have to dig up your yard to find your sewer line.
A professional plumber can use a camera to find the location of the repair. And with trenchless sewer repair, you don’t have to worry about plumbers digging up your yard.
If you ignore all warnings and go ahead with DIY sewer pipe repair, you may find yourself in a very messy situation.
4. Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos can be deadly. Even if you think you’re taking all of the right precautions, you shouldn’t take a chance and remove it yourself. DIY removal will put your health and the health of your family at risk.
If you have asbestos in your home that you need to get rid of, call in a professional.
5. Electrical
Unless you’re a licensed electrician, it’s best to leave electrical repairs to the professionals. One wrong move and you could wind up burning down your house or getting electrocuted.
Serious electrical projects require a permit, which is something an electrician can help with. If you have an older home, it may have non-traditional wiring that requires specialized tools and repair procedures.
These are five major home repairs that you should never attempt on your own. Major home renovations and HVAC repairs should also be handled by a licensed professional. Calling in a professional will save you a lot of time and headaches.