Know when to hire a professional for home improvement projects

David and Amy were delighted when they found out that the sellers had accepted their offer for the charming little Cape Cod house they wanted to buy. The neighborhood was exceptionally well maintained and close to shopping, jobs, and transportation. The sellers were older people who had been keeping an eye on major repairs like a new roof and furnace, but at the same time, they had been very frugal about redecorating just to bring things up to date.

Although the house was going to need some work to reach its potential, David and Amy were certain that any improvements would only increase the value of the house and were eager to spend their weekends cosmetically sprucing it up. A few cans of paint, some new cabinet coverings and shiny new stainless steel kitchen appliances and they were looking at a very presentable first floor. The hardwood floors gleamed with just a deep cleaning and the built-in china cabinets in the corners of the dining room were stunning.

As they weighed their options for renovating the unfinished upper floor, they quickly decided that carpet tiles were a very affordable option and would not only create a great look, but also give David the opportunity to turn it into a finished carpet project. itself. .

This story brings up a very important consideration that we all have to make at one point or another and that is when is it appropriate to hire a professional installer or experienced handyman? While every situation is unique, here are some tips that it’s best to leave the required work to a professional.

o Electrical work that is beyond the scope of a simple connection requirement. Most people have limited knowledge of household electricity beyond the basics. An electrician can be a great source of information when it comes to optimizing lighting options and can also protect the homeowner from dangerous exposure to electrical shock.

o Plumbing jobs are also disaster opportunities when a person is a novice but trying to save a few bucks by completing a job that is best left to a professional. Many jobs have become even more complicated than necessary due to damage inadvertently inflicted by the owner. Older homes often have corroded pipes that are prone to bursting and creating a bigger problem than the original until they are fixed.

o Paint jobs are often too big for the homeowner, but are attempted anyway, resulting in undesirable results. Exterior painting is almost always best done by a skilled person who does that for a living. Professionals save time and expense by having the right equipment, such as very high ladders, and also possess the knowledge to expedite the job. Even interior paint jobs can be better handled when it comes to, say, painting a cathedral ceiling that would require balancing on a tall ladder while trying not to spill paint on the floor or furniture.