If you are a homeowner, it is important to know which home maintenance tasks should be left alone. Some home repair jobs are simple enough that you can do them yourself. For example, if you're handy, it's possible to replace your toilet or lay new carpeting without much trouble. But some require the help of professionals. So if you see any of these problems with your home, call an expert for help.
Cracked Foundation
If you have a crack in your foundation, it's best to call a professional. If the siding on your home is cracking or peeling, turn over the job to an expert because they know how to properly prep and apply materials so that they last for years without problems. In many cases, if not done correctly from the start, re-siding may require more work later down the road, driving up costs. And of course, it always looks better when someone with experience does it right and ensures things go smoothly.
Pouring Concrete
This project requires specialty tools like chutes and pouring forms that only pros will be able to use successfully. Plus, there are plenty of jobs where mistakes can happen even if you're trying to follow instructions. So the best way to avoid messes and save money is simply not to try this job yourself.
Water, Gas, And Electric
If you're uncertain about how your home's plumbing, heating, or electrical system works, don't attempt any work on it until you've learned more. Suppose damage occurs because of a misstep during installation or repair that was caused by ignorance. In that case, your bills to get it fixed can be extremely expensive. A professional will know what they are doing better than anyone else, like replacing a gas regulator. So leave these jobs up to them for safe results every time.
Although there is some maintenance that you can check first before calling in the big guns.
Replace Air Conditioner Filters
Air conditioners have two sets of filters, one for indoor and outdoor units. The outside unit filter needs to be replaced about every month during peak season (while interior ones usually last longer). So if your AC doesn't seem like it has been cooling properly lately, check those filters before calling someone out.
Clean Water Heater Elements Or Drain Valves
Water heaters typically use an electric element to generate hot water, which means they're extremely dangerous if not cleaned on time. In addition, these elements can become encrusted with calcium and sediment if they're not checked regularly. Which means they need to be cleaned or replaced when this happens (usually every year). Drain valves are also critical since water left in the tank is a common problem for clogged toilets.
Inspect Garage Door Opener
Garage doors have two primary parts: sensors, which detect objects in their path, and an electric motor that opens and closes the door itself. The latter usually lasts about 15 years before needing replacement. In comparison, sensors should last around 20 years. Still, they will eventually stop working properly due to various factors like dust buildup or lack of lubrication. So it's worth checking these out yourself at least once every few months to ensure they're working correctly.
Check Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It should go without saying that you need to replace these batteries every six months, but so many people don't do it. Not only is forgetting about why they exist a fire hazard in itself, but it's also important because your alarm needs enough power to be heard throughout the house if needed (especially crucial at night). Overall, changing them out saves lives, and we can all agree on that one. So get into the routine of checking once every few months or whenever you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
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