Need to save money making home repairs?
We all think about fixing things around the house ourselves. Sticking with our own amateur labor lets us keep all of that money in our pocket.
Don't DIY though…
Professional repairs are sometimes the smarter play.
When exactly should you hire a contractor for roof repairs? Well, let's find out.
What you'll learn:
Why DIYing isn't always wise
Why you'll often lose money when DIYing
5x Home Repairs You Should Never DIY
Home Repairs You Can DIY
Ready? Let's go!
Why DIYing Isn't Always Wise
Picture this.
You're scrolling through TikTok and see this home transform in just 10 days using only nine dollars and fifty-six cents. Cue envy and outrage at how contractors must charge.
DIY projects have gotten hypemoded in recent years.
Data from our friends over at Civicscience revealed that 43% of homeowners intend to complete renovations completely on their own. That's up five percent from last year!
The issue with this mindset…
Completing projects yourself doesn't mean you'll do a good job. Certain repairs, like roof work, require extensive training most DIY-ers don't have. Especially when it comes to areas of your home that are structurally relevant.
A qualified roofing contractor ensures professional repairs are done correctly, knows local building codes, and carries insurance should an accident happen.
As the owner, hiring a professional to repair your roof saves you from doing it yourself and protects you.
No home improvement tutorial video can teach you everything you need to know about your roof. Sometimes you just need to call a professional and bite the bullet.
You'll Often Lose Money When DIYing
Going the DIY route seems cheaper, right?
Funny story. New studies show 35% of DIYers ended up completing their projects twice because they made errors the first time around. That means buying materials twice and spending twice as much time.
Oh yeah, some DIY'ers end up hiring a professional to fix their mistake. Take a guess as to how much that will cost…
Other hidden costs of DIYing include:
Voided warranties
Denied insurance claims
Injury
Structural damage of home
Here's the real kicker.
Homeowners spend about $1,390 per year on roof and gutter projects. $1,200 of that money goes to professional contractors.
That money isn't being spent because your neighbor came out to do the work. These are skills that require years of experience.
If you DIY and get hurt, who's going to pay for that?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 150,000 Americans end up in the hospital each year due to roofing-related injuries. Over 97% of these injuries occur at homeowners' properties.
Yikes!
5x Home Repairs You Should Never DIY
While we're at it, here are five repairs you should NEVER DIY.
Check 'em out.
Roof Repairs and Replacement
You knew this was going to be one.
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against mother nature. One small leak can spiral out of control and lead to expensive repairs.
While a professional roof repair may cost you upfront, there are many benefits:
Roofers have the proper safety equipment and training
Licensed roofers know local building codes
Roofing companies provide quality materials
Most companies are insured should an accident occur
As mentioned above, DIY'ing your roof can void any warranty that may come with the materials. A lot of companies require you to be certified to have warranty coverage. If your DIY project endangers your property or you're injured during the project, you're out of luck.
Electrical Work
Electricity is not something you should ever play around with.
Sure, switching out an outlet here and there might not seem like a big deal. However, improper electrical work can lead to house fires. Not only that, but bad electrical work can be concealed and you may not see the consequences for years.
For these reasons, most states require you to obtain a permit as well as a certified electrician when doing electrical work.
Major Plumbing Projects
Changing out a faucet is one thing. However, if you're replacing entire sections of pipe or messing with your main water line, you should hire a professional.
Plumbing can be one of the worst things when it goes wrong. The water damage from one minor mistake can cost you thousands of dollars. Not to mention, you would have most likely still have to hire a professional to fix the problem.
HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling your home should always be done by a professional.
HVAC systems use electricity, refrigerants, and machinery. Something as simple as repairing your HVAC fan can lead to dreaded dangers.
Due to how complicated this career field is, HVAC technicians take years of training.
Foundation Issues
Last but not least, you should never DIY foundation issues.
If you start seeing cracks within your foundation, it could be a sign of major concerns. There's a chance your home could be deemed unsafe to live in.
Similar to roofing, foundation problems should always be handled by a professional.
Home Repairs You Can DIY
Wait. Does that mean I have to call a contractor every time I see something wrong with my house?
Nope!
If you're looking to paint rooms, fix your garden, or replace certain fixtures around the house, go right ahead!
Here are some projects you can DIY:
Some work is okay to DIY. Things like cosmetic changes and simple fixes don't need a professional eye.
Just remember…
If a project requires you to go on your roof, touch wiring, or deal with gas lines…DON'T DO IT.
Instead, reach out to a professional contractor and let them take care of it.
How To Choose Who To Hire
Finding the right contractor is easy.
You can find a lot of contractors by simply asking around. In fact, 32% of homeowners found their contractors this way. When it comes to finding contractors, word of mouth is your best form of advertising.
Below are some qualifiers you should look for when hiring a contractor:
License and insurance
Written estimate
Warranty
Contact information for references
Clear communication when it comes to project timelines
Contractors get plenty of online inquiries every day. Don't be afraid to reach out to multiple contractors and see who can best tackle your project.
Home maintenance can be difficult.
Knowing what you can and cannot DIY is crucial to saving yourself money. While some repairs may be costly, they'll save you money in the long run.
Why?
Because most contractor work comes with:
Warranty's
Correct Materials
Peace of mind
Remember…
DIYing won't always save you money
Roof repairs should always be handled by professional contractors
Electrical work can kill you
There's plenty of stuff you can DIY
As long as you know your limitations, you shouldn't run into any problems.
Hope this helps you the next time you gotta call a repair man.
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