Are you old enough to remember when the DIY craze first emerged? It was an interesting time. People who had never picked up basic hand tools decided they could handle their home projects on their own. DIY is still popular today. However, we have learned that some home projects are best left to the professionals.
In defense of DIYers everywhere, there is a certain rush that comes from doing things yourself. Finish the next project on your list and you get the sense of accomplishment unmatched by anything else. Yet the other side of the coin is attempting a home project and ultimately failing. Calling a professional to pick up the pieces is not only embarrassing, but it can also be costly.
Do not misunderstand; we love DIYers. But there are just some jobs that only a professional should do. Here are five of them:
We will start with gutter installation because that's our business. From the ground, gutters and downspouts seem simple to install. Just hold a piece in place, pound in a couple of nails, and move on to the next one. That's all there is to it, right? Wrong.
Installing gutters the right way requires a body of knowledge that most people don't possess. Get it wrong and even the best gutters won't do the job they are intended to do.
Roof installation is another home project that seems simple until you actually start doing it. Installing a roof requires quite a bit of knowledge and a fair amount of physical strength. Moreover, some municipalities are very strict about how roofing is installed. You cannot just slap shingles down any which way.
Own your home long enough and you are bound to replace the water heater at least once. This particular project may require professional installation by law. It really depends on where you live. Both traditional and tankless systems can be dangerous if installed incorrectly, so a lot of cities and towns mandate that only licensed plumbers can do the job.
Even if that's not the case where you live, don't take any chances with a water heater. Just like with gutters, water heater replacement looks simple. Just remember that looks can be deceiving.
Most of us can handle simple electrical projects like changing a light switch or replacing the doorbell. But if your project involves new electric installation of any type, think twice about doing it yourself. Electricity isn't something to play with.
New electric installations are similar to water tank installations in the sense that some cities and towns require that all such work be done by licensed professionals. If you are allowed to do it yourself, it probably still needs to be inspected before you close things up. That could be a problem if you don't know what you're doing.
Routine landscaping is no big deal. Planting flowers and throwing down mulch is something just about anyone can do. But if you are looking at major landscaping that involves any re-grading of your property, that's a job for professionals.
Being in the gutter installation business, we know how important proper grading is. Land that isn't graded properly can contribute to flooding, foundation damage, and other problems.
If you are into the DIY thing, good for you. You can save money on your home projects by doing the work yourself. Just remember that there are some jobs best left to the professionals. It's okay. Calling a pro doesn't mean you don't have what it takes. It means you are smart.
Livermore • Pleasanton • Dublin • San Ramon • Hayward • Castro Valley • Danville • Alamo • Lafayette • Walnut Creek, Concord • Moraga • Pleasant Hill • Martinez • Tracy
