Because repairs and maintenance cost money, often, many Utah homeowners take these responsibilities to themselves. Not all home chores, though, are ideal. Not only are they costly if owners make a mistake, but they are also dangerous.
Here are five of them:
1. Emergency Plumbing
For those dealing with burst pipes, clogged drains and toilet, leaky sinks, and sewage issues, they need to call an emergency plumber.
In many situations, the quality of water owners deal with is bad or dirty. They only expose themselves to hundreds of harmful microorganisms that cause health problems. These include diarrhea or gastroenteritis.
If the pipes are old or complex, fixing them might mean using professional techniques—things no regular homeowner can do unless they underwent training for it.
In Utah, plumbers can charge between $125 and $800, depending on the complexity and size of the project. For those who don’t want to spend a lot, let a plumber maintain the pipe network.
2. Asbestos Removal
About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States, according to Mesothelioma.com. Most of these occur because of exposure to a silica mineral called asbestos.
Asbestos is a fiber commonly used in many old houses in Utah and the country for insulation and fireproofing. The problem is it can break down. The fine particles can enter the body and lodge into the lungs, where they can cause inflammation.
The United States doesn’t have a full asbestos ban, unlike other nations. Some homes can still use this material.
Homeowners who live in old houses, especially those built by the 1980s and earlier, might need to work with an asbestos removal specialist. They can inspect the property and subsequently remove them if necessary.
3. Roofing
Roofs need regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Otherwise, corrosion can cause water leaks that further damage the house. They can also be a source of molds and mildew, which can be hazardous to health.
Homeowners, though, can be better off assigning these tasks to the experts. This is to prevent the risk of falling, which is one of the leading causes of home injuries in the United States.
4. Car Maintenance
To be fair, homeowners need to perform some regular car care routines, such as checking for oil or tire tread depth. However, for more complicated tasks, they might have to bring the vehicle to the right facility.
One reason is the warranty. Letting others repair it might void that, so succeeding repairs become an out-of-pocket cost. If the car doesn’t have any warranty, homeowners can benefit from a professional checkup. Their eyes are trained to spot problems regular people can’t see.
5. Appliance Repair
Like cars, many appliances can be under warranty. If the DIY repair made the problem worse, then that immediately voids the warranty.
Appliances can also differ from brands to size, design, and parts. Just because one knows a lot about GE doesn’t mean they can already fix Bosch or Viking fridges. Even wine chillers, freezers, and refrigerators are not the same appliance.
Going DIY with many home chores, especially repairs, to save money is noble. But it’s not always the right decision. Sometimes it results in a costlier mistake. Homeowners can avoid it by knowing when to let the professionals take over.
