Do it yourself (DIY) has become one of the most well–known concepts in homeownership circles today. Homeowners are learning that they can save a ton of money by learning a few basic DIY skills and completing home repairs themselves. We’re here to discuss a few DIY projects that can save you money. We’ll also review a few projects that are best not to DIY.
DIY Home Projects That Can Save You Money
Here are a few excellent DIY projects that can save you money.
Minor Fixture Repair or Replacements
Making small fixture repairs or replacements is an easy DIY project. While a professional contractor may not charge a ton for these types of jobs, they still charge something. When you repair a faucet leak or apply caulk to the sink’s exterior, you only have to factor in the cost of buying materials.
Home Painting
Painting your own home can be timely and tedious, but it can save you a ton of money in the long run. The average cost of paying a professional to paint your home is between $2 and $6 per square foot.
The great thing about painting your home yourself is that it’s not permanent if you make a mistake. You can learn as you go; in the worst case, if you hate the result, you can repaint it again in a few weeks. Keeping a few things in mind, like checking the weather before starting and knowing the different paint types, can make your DIY home painting project easier.
Deep Cleaning Your Home
You might be surprised to learn that a professional deep cleaning service can cost hundreds of dollars. Of course, it’s a fair price when you factor in how many hours it takes the cleaner to clean all surfaces thoroughly. But, if you want to save some money without sacrificing a deeply cleaned house, consider breaking the project up into a number of tasks.
Make a to-do list of all deep cleaning tasks you want to complete and in which room, and then designate each task to a specific weekend over a period of a few months. Of course, you can also make a schedule that works for you.
Cleaning Your Gutters
If you already have a good, sturdy ladder, it may be worth it to clean your own gutters. Gutter cleaning is another tedious task but an important one. Keeping your gutters clean and free of built-up debris prevents clogs. Over time, a gutter clog can damage the attic or roof, sometimes costing thousands of dollars. However, if you don’t have the necessary safety equipment or are not confident with your ability to safely climb a ladder, moving this one to the ‘leave it to the professionals’ list may be worth it.
Projects To Leave to the Professionals
Here are a few DIY projects that are best left to the professionals.
Mechanical Repairs
Mechanical repairs are usually best left to a professional. Appliances and electrical items in your home are made up of many moving parts, and making the wrong repair can lead to further damage. Additionally, some moving parts can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to leave appliances and lawn mower service repairs to an experienced technician.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing repairs can be risky because one wrong move and you may make the problem even worse. Plumbing problems can also lead to water damage, which, if left alone, can cause mold throughout your home. It’s best to contact a professional plumber any time you’re dealing with a leak. In fact, it may be worth it to work with a plumber for even basic plumbing projects, like changing a toilet.
Electrical Wiring
Electrical work can be one of the most dangerous DIY projects. Working with electrical wiring poses serious risks that can also be life-threatening. Whether you’re rewiring your home or installing new electrical components, we recommend reaching out to a licensed electrician before doing so.
Removing a Tree
Removing a tree with the right power tools may seem, initially, like an easy task. However, there are many reasons why you may want to work with a professional first. Removing a tree from your yard can be a dangerous job. Professional tree removal companies have insurance policies that help protect you financially from injury or property damage. Additionally, a professional can ensure that they remove the tree properly without affecting nearby landscaping or power lines.
Learning to DIY basic household tasks is a must when owning a home. Simple repairs and replacements can save you thousands of dollars. Yet, some home tasks should be left to the professionals, including electrical wiring or mechanical repairs. Make sure you understand the risks and logistics of a DIY project before jumping in and getting started.
