Your home is a huge investment, likely the biggest one you’ve ever made. It’s only natural to want to DIY issues when they arise. After all, you can swing a hammer, and you aren’t afraid to YouTube an instructional video. But before you break out the tools, you should know that there are some projects best left to the pros. Projects like:
Pest control
Pests can be a serious issue, especially termites. A termite infestation can, according to Orkin, be devastating to your property. Unfortunately, termite issues are not always easy to identify. These tiny insects feed on cellulose material, including the wood inside your home. There are three different types of termite, and it takes a professional with the right equipment and appropriate pesticides to completely rid you of an infestation.
Signs of a termite infestation include swollen floors, issues that look like water damage, and mud tunnels on the exterior of your home. A termite control expert can identify these and more and prevent further damage. A termite inspection is one of the best ways to determine if you have a problem. You don’t necessarily have to turn to a national extermination chain either. A simple search for local “termite companies near me” can help you find a reputable termite inspection and extermination company. Take note that many companies will offer a free pest inspection but can charge around $100 for a Wood Destroying Insect Report if you need this in conjunction with a real estate sale.
Structural additions or repairs
Termites eat the bones of your home, so you’ll also need an expert to repair the damage incurred. A general contractor or framing company may be your best bet at fixing your home’s structure. It’s an involved process and requires working around electrical wiring and plumbing. A poorly executed DIY repair here can cost you much more than money, it could compromise the safety of your family.
If you’re making upgrades to your home, you’ll also want to involve a licensed contractor. Additions such as a new deck, garage, front porch, or sunroom must be permitted and follow strict building codes guidelines. Failure to build a deck properly can result in a hefty fine and poses a significant threat to anyone standing on, or under, the structure.
Septic tank installation
Your septic tank is your own personal waste treatment plant and an important part of your plumbing system. As such, you want it to operate properly 100 percent of the time. If you plan to build a cabin in the woods or move to a rural area without access to the sewer system, a septic tank may be your only choice and can cost up to $4,000. Heavy machinery and a thorough understanding of a home’s plumbing system is essential for proper septic tank installation. Handled poorly and you may find yourself wading ankle-deep in human waste.
Major systems
In addition to your plumbing system, the HVAC and electrical systems play a significant role in how your home operates. You don’t want to leave repairs in any of these areas to chance. Repairs may not be as cost prohibitive as you think, and The Spruce that a simple outlet installation may only set you back $100 to $150. It will likely take an electrician less than half an hour to do the job, but could take you all day and, if it’s not done to exacting specifications, cause outlet failure or a house fire.
Don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of projects you can handle on your own with a few basic tools and a little self-confidence. Things like installing laminate flooring, painting, and even refacing your fireplace won’t put your family in harm’s way if they’re not perfect. Calling a professional may cost a bit more, but it’s an investment in your biggest investment.
Article by Bret Engle (guest writer)
