DIY or Call the Pros? How to Handle Home Repairs When Moving

Are you planning a household move? Homeownership can be rewarding, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, your new home might require improvements, and the buck stops with you. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to do some of these, thanks to online tutorials and videos. However, some jobs require an experienced, licensed professional.

So, with that in mind, let’s look at the top repairs you can do yourself and when you should call a professional to handle everything for you.

Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing issues can happen, from clogged toilets to leaky faucets. Fortunately, many people can tackle basic plumbing tasks such as:

• Fixture Replacement – You should be able to replace elements like faucets, showerheads, and knobs.
• Drainage Issues – A good bottle of drain cleaner can remove most obstacles and keep your pipes fresh and clean. Even DIY rooters can remove elements like hair and debris from the line.
• Hoses and Connectors – Your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher use hoses that connect to your home’s water supply. It’s relatively straightforward to disconnect and replace one of these hoses as necessary.

When to Call the Pros

You should call a plumber whenever you need to replace essential fixtures like a toilet or sink. Also, if you’re struggling to clear out your pipes or have a leak behind the walls, the pros can handle the problem much better than you.

Electrical Repairs

Unlike your plumbing system, electrical repairs can be much more dangerous. With the pipes, the worst thing is that you can get yourself or your property wet. With electricity, your health and safety are on the line. As such, shut off the power and use gloves whenever possible. That said, some simple DIY electrical repairs include:

• Outlet Replacement – If an outlet stops working, you can connect a new one to see if it is a faulty unit.
• Light Replacement – Changing bulbs is easy and relatively safe since you don’t need to turn the breaker off first.
• Switch Replacement – If your current light switches don’t work, you can swap them out for new ones.

When to Call the Pros

Adding or removing outlets requires special tools and lots of experience. Similarly, a professional must look at it if you need to repair your circuit box or electrical panel. If you’re unsure about an electrical job, call a certified electrician.

Remodeling and Demolition

If you want to upgrade your home, you can remodel and make improvements to your liking. If demolition is required, you should probably consult a professional contractor first. However, some remodeling jobs are pretty easy to do yourself, such as:

• Tiling – You can pull up the old tile and replace it.
• Flooring – Whether you want to rip up the old carpet or install vinyl floorboards, these jobs only require the right tools, supplies, and some elbow grease.
• Painting – Paint can instantly transform a room, and you don’t need many specialized tools or equipment to do the job.

When to Call the Pros

Demolition projects should be handled by a professional. And, if you need to dig behind the drywall, it’s best to consult with a certified contractor. Also, if you want specialized work done (i.e., an artistic backsplash), you’ll likely need professional help to get the job done.

Get Moving Help for Your New House

If you are making plans for your new home, let us help get you there. We can assist in the planning, packing, and heavy lifting. Contact us for a free quote.