By Meghan Belnap
Do it yourself (DIY) projects are a great way to save money, but they can also be a hassle. One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before starting a project is, "can I do this safely?" In the pursuit of saving time and money, many people end up making mistakes that either cost them more or put their safety at risk. To avoid these mistakes, it's best to know which DIY home repairs are safe.
Safety Precautions
Safety should always be your top priority for DIY projects. The best way to determine the safety of a project is by asking yourself the following questions:
- Is this something that could harm myself or someone else?
- Will I need any power tools such as drills and saws?
- Is there an inherent risk in what I'm doing?
- Will I need to climb up anything high in order to complete this task?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should consider hiring a professional.
Our handy checklist for DIY projects:
- Do you have the necessary safety gear and tools?
- Do you know what you're going to do and how it's done?
- Can someone watch you while you work on the project so they can help if needed?
- Are there any obstacles that might get in your way or cause an accident?
Here are a few examples of projects that may be best left to the professionals.
Roofing
If you're looking for a project to get your hands dirty, roofing is not the answer. Roofing repair costs around $1,000 on average. The cost means it’s tempting to DIY, but roofing isn’t just one of the most expensive home repairs, it's also one of the most dangerous because of the height and weight involved. If you try to do this yourself without any experience, you’re risking serious injury.
Electricity
Electricity is unsafe to DIY because there are many different ways that wiring can malfunction. If you aren't sure what you're doing, you could end up electrocuted or start a fire. Before doing any work on your electrical wiring, make sure to turn off power to the area of concern and call an electrician for help!
Plaster and Drywall
Plaster and drywall are two of the most common DIY projects, but they can also be dangerous. Plaster is easy to work with, but it's important to cover all surfaces in the room with plastic before working with it. Drywall is also affordable and easy to install, but you need to use an electrical safety course for installation.
Home repairs are tricky to get right. Not only are you trying to fix up your house to make it livable, you’re trying to fix it in a way that keeps you safe. That’s why it’s important to know what repairs are safe for DIYers to take on and which ones need to be left up to professionals. When in doubt, always consult a professional before you try any major home repairs.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. Belnap recommends working with professionals like those at the Price & Sons Roofing Co. for your roof repair needs.
