Inspired by home remodeling television and online video tutorials, many homeowners are starting to embrace a do-it-yourself (DIY) mindset. They’re taking on their own repairs and renovations. There needs to be limits, however. In this article, we’ll review what makes electrical, HVAC, and roofing repairs just too dangerous to handle yourself—and why you need to hire a professional.
Your home is your most important investment. Foundation problems can threaten that investment by causing serious structural damage and lowering the value of your home. Most foundation issues are caused by water. But foundation repair is not something that you can’t do yourself. It requires special skills and specialized tools. If tried and not done correctly, it might cost more than usual to repair.
If your concrete foundation is crumbling, it could be due to a process called scaling (or spalling). Often, scaling is when your concrete foundation is exposed to water that’s freezing and thawing, which causes it to crumble or chip. Scaling can also occur due to aging or if your foundation is frequently pressure washed or sandblasted. Only professional foundation contractors can repair a concrete foundation crumbling.
HVAC
Having heating or cooling trouble? Never try repairing your home’s furnace or air conditioner. Here’s why:
- You’ll most likely void the manufacturer’s warranty by opening it up yourself.
- You don’t have the tools or parts needed to fix it.
- There’s a significant risk that you could cause further damage.
You don’t want to wait until your furnace stops working on a cold night to start looking for a trustworthy HVAC company. Begin your search now so you have a few businesses vetted out ahead of time.
Say you live in the suburbs of Chicago. Start your search online by looking up companies that offer heating and cooling repair in Frankfort, Chicago, or wherever you live. Run through a checklist for each business: do they offer 24/7 service? What are their guarantees? Are their technicians qualified and certified?
Once you have 2-3 companies you feel comfortable with, put their information on the fridge. If your first choice can’t get out to your home right away, you can always use the backup options.
Electrical
Thinking about installing your own outlets or fixing wiring? Don’t take this on yourself! The stakes are just too high. Every year, thousands of Americans accidentally electrocute themselves—many of them while trying to complete repairs or renovations in their own homes. Of course, electricity poses another danger: if not installed and grounded correctly, faulty wiring can spark a home fire.
Instead, hire an electrician. Look for an electrician who has both state and industry certifications. Ask them about their worker’s compensation coverage and insurance—you’ll want to know ahead of time if you’ll be liable should they injure themselves or damage your home.
This isn’t the time or place to try to save a buck by hiring your neighbor down the street. You want an expert who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Roofing
This is perhaps the most dangerous of these repairs, mostly because homeowners underestimate the danger and complex work involved with repairing or installing their own roof.
It only takes a split-second for you to lose your balance and fall off your roof, which—tragically—can lead to serious injuries or even your death. Just as with your HVAC systems, you also don’t have the tools or training to fix your roof, and you’re not going to get them from watching a 5-minute video online.
Hire a licensed, professional roofing contractor. Just as with electricians and HVAC technicians, make sure they’re insured before you bring them out to your home.
Provided by Air Mechanical – heating and cooling services
