In recent years, the do-it-yourself hobby has reached a level of popularity it has not seen before. Businesses offering DIY kits, workshops, and classes offering tutorials, the vast amount of DIY resources- it’s the best time to be a DIY hobbyist. However, DIY projects around the house are a different situation. The stakes are higher; you’re beginning to think of hiring help instead. To figure out whether you should DIY a home repair or not, here are a few tips to help you out.

Minor Pipe Leaks Can Be DIY-ed

When your kitchen pipes are a bit old, they have a more likely chance to leak. The connections could be worn out due to age, or there could be pipe corrosion too. In this case, getting a handy dandy wrench and working on changing or tightening pipes can be as easy as counting numbers. Just make sure the mainline is turned off, so the water’s not running the pipes, and you’re good to start.

But Leave the Plumbing to the Pros

Anything more extensive than a minor leak should be handled by professional plumbing services. The most obvious reason is that it could actually cost you more should the DIY fix be faulty. You could be trying to change a flushing mechanism but end up causing more damage to your plumbing and flooring. In the end, you would be redoing the repair (maybe more than twice) and then paying for a professional to fix the problem. That’s going to be more than double the cost you would have paid if you called the plumber right away.

You Can Install Lights on Your own

Changing a lightbulb has always been referenced as a joke, but for one thing, it’s something anyone can do. Once your lights are beginning to dim, or you would like to change your current lights to something new, go ahead and change it. It’s a simple matter of removing the light from the receptacle and changing it. Of course, you have to be careful when actually changing it. Despite it being simple, there are still safety measures. Make sure your hands are not wet. Let the bulb cool off before changing it, making sure the light you’re changing is turned off.

But a Pro Should Install the Receptacle

However, one thing that should be left to the pros is changing the lighting receptacle or socket. You can turn a light bulb to replace it, but replacing its receptacles involves the proper skill and equipment as it deals with wires hidden underneath and switching off the main power breaker.

Changing Knobs Can Be Done on Your Own

Interestingly enough, not everyone knows that changing a doorknob is a rather easy process. However, you need to have a specific type of key that goes with your doorknob (you can also use a tool specifically made for installing doorknobs). When buying a new doorknob, make sure to read the attached instructions and install it properly.

But Doors Need Pros

When changing the actual door, however, it’s best to call professional help. Especially when doing a major change, such as the door frame or changing it from the traditional one to a sliding door. Also, incorrectly installing a door can affect your cooling and heating system at home. Doors need to be sealed properly, especially for particular types like storm doors or sliding glass doors.

Painting or Adding a Wallpaper Is DIY-Safe

There’s a large number of resources when it comes to painting your walls or changing your wallpaper. Many people begin their DIY journey by repainting their walls or putting in their first wallpaper. It’s a great weekend project that poses an adequate amount of challenge (and learning experience) while at the same time being productive enough to feel fulfilled after.

Unless You’re Changing an Entire Room

However, when it comes to larger-scale projects, such as repainting your entire living room or repainting the exterior of your home, it’s best left to professionals. The amount of work involved won’t be accomplished in one afternoon. You will need specific sets of equipment to be able to reach everything. And it being a larger scale means that the skill required to accomplish it of relatively good quality is higher. For matters like this, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

DIY Is Fun, but Pros Do It Better

Of course, the simple truth of the situation is that it’s best to hire a pro if you don’t have the time, skills, and equipment. You may feel fulfilled and accomplished after fixing something around the house- and that’s perfect, but sometimes, you can’t afford a window of mistake. And this is when you should be calling the professionals instead.

Meta title:When to DIY and Not to DIY Household Repairs
meta desc: DIY repairs are a fun and fulfilling experience, but sometimes, repairs are best left to professionals. Below are some pointers on what you can and cannot DIY.