Time to Outsource: Some Repairs Are Better Left to the Pros
By Ray Flynn, DiyGuys.net
With so many resources at your fingertips, you may be quite the DIY pro when it comes to home repair. You’ve conquered projects like patching holes in the wall, laying down new hardwood flooring, and installing a backsplash in your kitchen. Resources like instruction books, TV shows, and YouTube videos enable more DIY ability than ever before. Even with resource and skill, however, there are some projects that are best left to professionals. Whether they come with a safety risk or an advanced skill set, let’s review a few repairs that you should not tackle yourself.
Roof Damage
Roof repairs need to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and are always best left to professionals to fix. The average cost ranges from $350-$1,000 depending on the extent of the damage. Shingles may be loose from storm damage, or there could be a leak on your roof. If the damage is not repaired quickly, it can lead to additional damage inside your home. Remember, roofing requires a skill level that professionals possess and you don’t want to risk doing it incorrectly by trying it yourself.
Cracked Foundation
Another home repair best left to the professionals is any issue related to the foundation of your home. Whether it’s shifting foundation or cracked concrete, it is risky to attempt it yourself. The cost of foundation repair can be high. In Hartford, for example, the cost to repair concrete foundation is typically between $766 – $2,042. While this large price tag may cause you to hesitate to jump into repairs, do not hesitate. Your entire home is built on the foundation, so putting off repairs is dangerous to the entire integrity of your home.
Moving Walls
Similar to the foundation, the walls within your home are integral to the structure and best left to the professionals. Tearing down a bedroom wall to make more space for another room or removing the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room are common design renovations that you may want to undertake. If the wall you want to remove is a load-bearing wall, you’ll want to hire a structural engineer to ensure that you do not place unnecessary burden on other walls. The cost varies largely due to one-story vs. two-story homes.
Electrical Rewiring
When it comes to electrical issues in your home, there is an element of danger to this repair. If you attempt it yourself, you risk getting hurt or even electrocution if improperly done. Electricians are highly skilled professionals, having attended a trade school and receiving state certification. Electrical repair work varies based on the extent of the repair, but the pros typically charge around $50-$100 per hour. While there are a few electric repairs you are likely able to do yourself, it’s best to save the big repairs for the professionals.
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing issues are a common home repair need, whether it’s a leaky faucet or a clogged toilet. Many of these small plumbing repairs are a great opportunity to save money with a DIY. If you start noticing low water pressure issues or encounter a burst pipe, you need to call the plumber. Be sure to research a quality plumber with good reviews to ensure that the repair work is done correctly and efficiently.
In addition to quality repair and safety considerations, it’s often best to call in the professional just to avoid having to seek out a permit for repair yourself. Most major repairs require that you seek a permit from the city to carry out the work. A professional will take care of this, in addition to completing the repair.  While it may cost more money, you are getting a better quality repair by hiring an expert, which is worth it in the long run.
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