5 Moments to Forget Your Pride and Hire a Handyman
5 Moments to Forget Your Pride and Hire a Handyman
It’s fair to say that Aussie men are seasoned DIY-ers. From fixing leaky pipes to building dog kennels, they love nothing more than whipping out the tools and getting stuff done.
However, there are moments in every man’s DIY career when it’s better to call in the pros. Because no matter how good your skills are, your pride isn’t worth damaging your home. Even the most frugal of us know that in the long run, a shoddy DIY job will cost more than hiring a professional (this home improvement cost guide is a good place to start). Here are five times when it pays to get some help.
1. Mould removal
At some point or another, you’re likely to encounter mould. And because it’s so unappealing to the eye, a quick DIY fix feels like the logical thing to do. Unfortunately, this isn’t a good idea. Why? Because some forms of mould are quite dangerous, which can cause a number of health problems.
Mould removalists also have specialised gear for the job. And while it might be an expensive service to pay for, it will eradicate your mould problem once and for all. Remember, a simple bleach job will only ever be a temporary fix.
2. Roof repair
Working at heights is always risky. The good news is, there are professionals who thrive on this kind of work. While DIY roof work can be tempting, here’s why it’s better to just stay on the ground:
- It’s exhausting work. Awkward angles, blazing sun and battering winds make roofing a tough trade. This can tire you out quickly, which can lead to injuries and accidents.
- Every roof is different. Roofers work on all types of houses and buildings. This means they can spot problems quickly and fix them in the safest way possible.
- Botched jobs will cost you. DIY might initially be cheaper, but if your shoddy handiwork goes unnoticed, the problem can build up and cost you more in the long run.
3. Electrical work
There’s a reason why electricians spend years learning their trade and getting certified – it’s dangerous work. And sure, while it might be tempting to fix that socket yourself, it’s best to leave this kind of work to the professionals. The cost of hiring an electrician will be minuscule compared to the dangers and setbacks DIY electrical work will bring. Among other hazards, here’s why DIY electrical work can land you in trouble:
- Electrical shocks. Getting shocked can be deadly at any voltage level – particularly when you’re dealing with appliances such as ovens and dryers.
- Fire risks. Working with wires is a complicated business. Accidentally handling just one faulty wire can easily cause an electrical fire.
- Failed inspections. All electrical elements of a home need to pass inspection before they can be used. If they haven’t been checked correctly, expect to fork out some hefty fines.
4. Tree removal
Chopping down trees with a chainsaw might look pretty fun, but it’s harder (and more dangerous) than it looks. So before getting too excited, here’s why tree removal should be left to the experts:
- It requires years of training. It takes special skills to assess a tree removal situation and proceed in the safest way possible. Without the proper education, it’s really dangerous work.
- It can be deadly. Cutting down a tree at the wrong angle can cause serious (and sometimes fatal) injuries to you and others.
- You’re not insured. If you do damage to your home, you’ve only got yourself to blame. And this can be expensive.
5. Garage door repair
Fixing your front door shouldn’t be a problem. Fixing your garage door is another beast altogether. It might seem like an easy DIY job, but getting it wrong can be disastrous. Here are a few reasons why:
- Torsion springs can be deadly
- You can make the problem worse
- You might use the wrong tools for the job
- If the door falls, it can crush you
- You might use the wrong parts to fix the problem
- You can easily fix the wrong issue
The bottom line is – garage doors are mechanically complex contraptions. Make it easy for yourself and call up the experts.
