Home Improvement and DIY
Many television programs make home maintenance look simple. All you need to do is strap on a tool belt, and you’re good to go. Not so fast. Before diving into a DIY project, ask yourself the following questions: ● Is it too risky? ● Is it worth your time and effort? ● Do you have the knowledge, applicable skills, and equipment? ● Not to mention (and not everyone thinks of this), is it illegal to handle on your own? While the idea of saving a buck or two may be appealing, the risks outweigh the rewards on several home improvement projects, so do you research and call in a professional if you need to. Asbestos and Mold Removal Asbestos is an incombustible fiber that once was used as a method of fireproofing and insulation. The small fibers can cause impaired breathing and can even lead to chronic, cancerous diseases of the lungs. Mold is not only an eyesore and associated with a pungent odor, but it wreaks havoc on anyone with allergies. Both must be removed by a licensed and certified hazardous material contractor. Your furniture will be temporarily removed and the affected areas will be sealed with layers of plastic. Negative air machines (fans) pump air through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to purify the space. All hazardous materials are then removed from your home and properly disposed. Check out this article from Redfin on the ins and outs of asbestos removal. Anything Electrical Tinkering with electrical wiring is no joke, so it’s best to call an electrician to install fixtures, fix frayed wires, or investigate strange odors that could signal a fire hazard. Safety aside, if you avoid obtaining the proper permits, it’s likely that your insurance company will deny any claim should a fire occur. Electrical fires due to failure or malfunction are the number one cause of home fires in the United States. Roof Repairs Aside from the fact that roof work is extremely dangerous, it’s best to leave any repairs to an expert because it can actually save you money. Not only are roofing pros already armed with all of the right tools, they know exactly what type of materials are needed. They also have extensive experience fixing and installing roofs, so they will do higher-quality work. Lastly, warranties within your contract will likely require quality work or your money back. Just make sure to do your homework first and obtain at least three quotes. Knocking Out a Wall Creating additional space with an open floor plan isn’t a bad idea, especially if you are trying to increase the resale value of your home, but this is definitely not a DIY project. Many cities require permits because the wall you want to remove may be there for a reason. A professional contractor will be able to determine whether the wall is “load-bearing,” which means it’s supporting other areas and should not be removed. Removing a Large Tree Along with a familiarity of city ordinances, a certified arborist carries liability insurance just in case an accident happens while removing a tree, such as a tree falling and damaging a car or going through the window of a neighbor’s house. There’s nothing wrong with being handy, but knowing which projects to choose will ensure your safety while protecting the integrity of your home. If there are multiple repairs that need to be handled, it’s not a bad idea to get a contractor to come in and do a full-sweep analysis. This can help you create a strategic plan and budget for each project. Author Erin Reynolds is the creator of DIYMama.net, which provides resources to help others with home improvement projects and repairs. Keep an eye out for the DIY or Not Calculator, which will help you determine whether or not to take on a project yourself! Photo Credit: Pixabay For all Toilet Seats, Shower and Bathroom Spares please call us on 01482291992 or email us customerservice@mytoiletspares.co.uk
