Home Repairs: Hiring a Pro vs. DIY

VIDEO: When to Hire a Pro or DIY

Have you recently purchased a fixer-upper? Do you have an older home in need of repair? Between the Internet and our local hardware stores, we have access to the knowledge and tools necessary to perform many repairs ourselves. That's cheaper than hiring a professional, right? Well, not always. Sometimes even a minor repair can soon balloon into a major renovation. In other cases, professionals should be consulted for home repair jobs that can be dangerous or even hazardous to your health. How do you know whether you should hire a pro or try to fix the problem yourself? The experts at Fast Home Help offer some tips.

 

When Should I DIY?

DIY home repairs are becoming more and more popular. Of course, this is understandable. Don't we all get a nice sense of accomplishment when we complete a home repair ourselves or solve a problem? There are many common problems that can occur around your home that you can tackle yourself. Leaky faucets, lawn maintenance, and painting a room are all examples of common DIY tasks many homeowners take on themselves. Now, before deciding to take on a home repair job yourself, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

 

When Should I Hire a Professional?

Many home repair tasks are better left to the professionals for a variety of reasons. First, ask yourself how much the job will cost. Remember, professionals often receive discounts on materials you won't find when you visit a hardware store. Plus, you have the factor in the value of your time. Often, the cheaper choice is to simply hire a professional.

Next, ask yourself how much you know about the task at hand. Do you understand plumbing or electrical wiring? Can you replace or reconnect a gas line without leaving any gaps that can cause a dangerous gas leak? Not everything can be learned on a YouTube tutorial video. For serious plumbing, electrical, and jobs involving gas lines or appliances, always consult with a professional first.

Finally, ask yourself how dangerous the job is. For example, if you're repairing a home damaged by a fire, you could be in danger by compromised structural damage. Fires also harbor a risk of reigniting. Flood damage not only causes structural damage, but can also lead to a breakout of mold that can be hazardous to your health. Other jobs better left to the professionals include roof repair, asbestos removal, and any job involving the use of ladders or scaffolding.

 

What If I Decide to Sell My Home?

If your home suffers extensive damage or you purchase a home with repairs that exceed your budget, you may consider selling. Fortunately, you can often employ a short sale to move a house quickly or consult a real estate agent. If you think you may be interested in selling a home, you can contact Fast Home Help to request an all-cash quote. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about the process of selling a home.