The best and hardest thing about homeownership is that you’re solely responsible for the space you’re living in, maintenance and repairs, in particular. There’s no landlord to call, no maintenance request to put in. It’s all you.
While some DIY projects only require a little elbow grease and determination, others need the help of a professional. Knowing when to tackle a repair yourself and when to call in the experts can save you precious time and money—not to mention stress.
Let’s explore common DIY-friendly projects, discuss when professional services are essential, and go over budget-friendly financing options to help you make informed decisions about home repairs and maintenance.
When DIY Makes Sense
When and when not to DIY is a serious conversation because the choice you make impacts your wallet and the safety and structure of your home.
Yes, taking on home repairs yourself can be rewarding, helping you gain a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a cost-effective approach to maintaining your home.
However, it only makes sense to DIY home repairs and maintenance tasks when they’re minor and require minimal skills and basic tools. Some DIY-friendly projects include:
- Painting and wallpapering: A fresh coat of paint can transform any space, and applying wallpaper has become easier with modern peel-and-stick options.
- Basic carpentry: Installing shelves, assembling furniture, or building simple storage solutions can be great beginner-friendly projects.
- Minor plumbing repairs: Fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a showerhead, or unclogging a drain are manageable tasks for most homeowners.
- Caulking and sealing: Preventing drafts and water damage by reapplying caulk around windows, doors, and sinks is a simple but important maintenance job.
- Updating hardware: Swapping out cabinet knobs, door handles, and light fixtures reprises your home’s appearance without the hassle of major work.
Tackling these tasks yourself can save you money because you only have to buy materials and don’t have to pay someone to do the work. It will also boost your confidence in home maintenance.
At the same time, while some tasks are manageable on your own, knowing when expert assistance is required is essential.
When to Call the Experts
While DIY projects can be rewarding, certain repairs and upgrades demand specialized skills, tools, and knowledge.
One of the biggest cons of DIYing projects is the quality of the work. Because you don’t do the kind of work you’re attempting all of the time, the projects may not be as well done as they should be, resulting in your home being a test subject.
In addition, undergoing more complex or difficult projects without proper training can put both your health and finances at risk.
Let’s take plumbing problems as an example. Plumbing problems need to be recognized and addressed early on before they develop into serious, expensive issues. One minute it’s a tiny leak in a pipe—the next minute your water costs have skyrocketed, water damage is spreading on your walls and ceiling, and it’s flooding.
Preventive measures can spare you from stressful, finance-straining emergencies. But when it gets to this point, you need a top-tier plumber from HandyPro or another expert to restore your home’s plumbing system to top shape.
Here are some other scenarios where hiring a professional is the best option:
- Electrical work: Installing new wiring, upgrading an electrical panel, or troubleshooting circuit issues should always be left to licensed electricians due to the risk of fires and electrocution.
- Major plumbing problems: Again, issues like burst pipes, sewer line blockages, or water heater malfunctions require professional intervention to avoid extensive water damage.
- Structural repairs: Foundation issues, roof repairs, and load-bearing wall modifications are best handled by experts to ensure structural integrity.
- HVAC repairs and installation: Maintaining or installing heating and cooling systems requires specialized knowledge to ensure efficiency and safety.
Financing Professional Repairs
When professional repairs become necessary, the cost can be a big concern. Thankfully, a variety of financing options can help you cover these costs. Let’s look at a few below:
- Personal loans: If an emergency repair arises and savings are limited, a personal loan can provide quick funds to cover professional services. No collateral is needed, and interest rates can be favorable based on your credit score.
- Home equity loans: Homeowners with built-up equity can access funds through a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC), benefiting from lower interest rates.
- Contractor financing: Contractors often offer financing options that let homeowners gradually pay for repairs without burdening their budget.
Considering these financing options ensures that necessary repairs are addressed promptly, preventing further damage and additional expenses down the line.
Budget-Friendly Home Upgrades
Whether you’re taking the DIY approach or hiring a professional, you can do it on a budget. Beyond essential repairs, here are a couple of cost-effective upgrades you can make to enhance your living space:
- Water-efficient plumbing fixtures: Installing dual flush or low-flow toilets, a water softening system, or updating the hoses on your washing machine are a few plumbing upgrades that won’t break the bank, and can help conserve water and reduce utility bills.
- Energy-efficient home improvements: Despite what many think, energy-saving upgrades can be budget-friendly. Adding insulation, sealing drafts, and upgrading to LED lighting can lower energy costs while improving home comfort.
Professional help may be required for more complex upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient windows or a water-softening system. But you could probably replace regular lightbulbs with LED ones and upgrade hoses yourself.
Weighing the upfront cost against long-term savings can help you decide when to invest in professional services like HandyPro.
Keeping Your Home in Top Shape Without Overspending
Maintaining a home efficiently requires striking a balance between DIY efforts and professional assistance. While minor repairs and upgrades can be tackled independently, more complex and hazardous tasks should be left to experts to ensure safety and long-term durability.
With careful planning, smart financing options, and an understanding of your skill level, you can keep your home in excellent condition without breaking the bank.
