Inexpensive Home Improvements Worth Leaving to the Pros
In today’s world, it’s easy to access DIY videos that will teach you how to do everything from building a mailbox to changing the grinder in your dishwasher. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Safety is your #1 priority when it comes to home improvements and maintenance. There are a few projects that are best left to the pros and wind up costing you less than if you try to tackle them yourself. Here are a few:
Electrical wiring. Hiring an electrician is the best way to ensure your home is free of electrical issues associated with home improvement projects. Faulty wiring can cause your home to smolder behind the walls and creates a dangerous situation for everyone. Electricians can charge around $30 per hour depending on your area and what you need to get done, whether it’s installing a ceiling fan, changing out light fixtures, or swapping outdated plugs and switches. Cutting corners here can cost you more than just dollars.
Gutter cleaning. Cleaning the gutters might seem like a no-brainer to handle on your own, but considering that 43% of fatal falls within the last decade have involved a ladder, you are safer on the ground. Even if you live in an area where the leaves are not a concern, debris can get into your gutters, and your gutter system is still important to your home’s overall integrity. While they may not be visible, your gutters keep water from penetrating the foundation of your home. Quicken Loans estimates the national average price of professional gutter cleaning is around $151. A small price to pay for safety!
HVAC tune-ups. Your home’s HVAC system keeps you cool during long hot summers and your home comfortable when cool weather sets in. Your heating and air-conditioning also reduces moisture in the bathroom and kitchen. Unless you are certified in HVAC maintenance, your AC tune-up is a project to outsource. A thorough HVAC tune-up will include coil inspection, thermostat calibration, and ensuring the connections are tightened.
Appliance repair. If your home’s appliances are less than a year old, they are probably covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, as of the first day of month 13, you’re on your own. Unless you’d like to pay for replacements, spend the money on a repair professional certified in your brand. As an added benefit, your appliance repairman may already stock the parts needed for the fix, which will eliminate excess waiting time.
Bathroom updates. Establishing a relationship with a good plumber is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner. Not only do these professionals keep things moving within the pipes, they are experts in water flow and performance relating to water-using features, such as the toilet, bathtub, dishwasher, and washing machine. Installing a toilet or swapping out a faucet may look simple on the internet, but these projects require knowledge above and beyond that of the general population. If it’s time to remodel the bathroom, hire a professional to ensure the work is completed efficiently. Homeowners in Camarillo have spent a minimum of $8,000 on this bathroom remodeling, so budget accordingly.
Landscaping. Your home’s exterior is a feature that not only buyers consider, but plays a major role in your quality of life. While mowing and weed eating are jobs you can certainly handle with the right tools, extensive landscaping installation projects may be better managed by a landscape architect. The American Society of Landscape Architects notes that, among other things, a professional will bring his or her expertise to your lawn, creating a low-maintenance design using native plants.
Your home is your castle and it is your responsibility to ensure it doesn’t crumble. There are many projects you can do yourself, but when it comes to your home’s safety, some maintenance and improvement projects should never be left to chance.