Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – While you may fancy yourself a “handyman” and have deftly mastered your fair share of DIY projects, there are several home improvement tasks you might want to call in a professional to handle. Here are home repairs you should leave to the pros:
Roof repairs
There are several reasons why you should call in a roof expert. Safety should be your first priority. Depending on the height of your home and the pitch of the roof, it may be too dangerous for you to tackle a project of this magnitude. Even if you have the appropriate size ladders and equipment, the risk of securing them properly, scaling and descending, and maneuvering atop the roof may prove to be too precarious. In addition to being unsafe, you probably don’t want to gamble patching or flashing something incorrectly, leaving you with leaks and further repairs that will inevitably cost you more money in the end. It’s best to hire a professional for all roof repairs.
Cleaning out gutters
Again, safety comes first. Just like roof repairs, gutters are not located in the most accessible places and can pose a risk of falling. Trying to maintain balance on the ladder while removing all of the debris at the same time is a recipe for potential disaster. Better leave this job to someone who has been there and done that. Plus, gutter removal costs are usually quite.
Electrical work
hen it comes to electrical repairs or projects, you’re not only facing dangerous safety issues but also potential concerns regarding code violations and licensing problems. Lack of experience can result in electrocution or faulty wiring that could lead to fire hazards. In addition to that, your handiwork may not be up to code – which will affect your resale value. By Colorado law, homeowners are not permitted to complete electrical work on their own if the property is for rent or for sale (or is open to the public). Save yourself the risk of injury and protect yourself from any violations or resale problems by hiring a pro.
Plumbing work
Colorado law requires a permit be obtained at the local building department before performing any plumbing work. Homeowners may do the work themselves if the property is not for sale or for rent (and not open to the public). Everything must be up to code and inspected by the building department. Unless you are completely familiar with local plumbing code and have the tools and skillset to perform plumbing work, it is best left to licensed plumbers.
Structural work
Don’t go it alone with this type of work – as the last thing you want to do is risk the structural integrity of your home! Plans to open up space by removing walls or restructuring rooms need careful consideration from a contractor or structural engineer. Many factors come into play with supporting beams, foundations and reinforcement framework regarding the ability to withstand weight-bearing load and resist collapse. These are not things you want to haphazardly play around with or leave to guesswork.
So as you can see, there are many reasons why certain DIY home improvements are best left to the experts. By hiring a professional, you will not only protect yourself from danger and your property from potential damage, but you may also avoid incurring any unnecessary expenses in the long run. Be safe, be smart and be satisfied with your repairs!
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
By Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland.
