When do you need a Handyman?
If you are the DIY-type, then you have that confidence that you can get a job done. In most cases you can. You have a great track record. Refinishing your deck, repairing a door knob, and fixing that pesky small leak on the kitchen sink are some of your accomplishments.
The other reason that you’re in the DIY world is that you end up saving quite a bit of money. Other than what you have to buy at the hardware store, fixing your home on your own adds up to great savings. The last reason why you do it yourself is that you actually enjoy it. You are a hands-on type of person.
There are times when doing the work by yourself is not the best idea. These are situations where not getting a professional could end up costing you a lot more than the replacement parts and supplies from the hardware store.
These situations call for professional handyman repairs.
Keeping Your Pipes Clean
Fixing the kitchen faucet, unclogging the bathroom sink, and stopping leaks in plumbing joints are some DIY plumbing projects that you have probably already tackled. They’re quick, somewhat easy, and don’t need any special tools, but there are some plumbing tasks that are best left for a plumber or a licensed handy repairman.
You should contact a professional with anything that involves the water main or modifying any of the existing plumbing. Are you familiar with your city’s plumbing code? If you aren’t then it means that this is a project that you shouldn’t get into. This is kind of work only a handyman repairs.
Thinking about modifying or fixing a hot water line? Hot water lines use copper tubing, and these require a fair amount of welding. These type of repairs are best left for a handy repairman due to the fact that they can be considerably dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Replacing a light switch, changing an outlet, rewiring a broken lamp or replacing an extension cord plug are all simple electrical fixes most of us can do. A screwdriver, pliers, and some electrical tape is all that is needed to do these. If the right precautions are taken (like turning the power off) the chance of getting injured is minimal.
For anything beyond these types of fixes, you’ll need a permit. That’s why this other kind of fix will be among the “handyman repairs” section of the book. All electrical repairs must be “up to code”. The most important reason is that faulty wiring is a dangerous fire hazard. Also keep in mind that if you plan on selling your house in the future, there will be an inspection that you need to pass.
Out with the Old, in with the New
If you have an older home that you are renewing, there is a high probability that you will have to remove asbestos or lead paint.
Both asbestos and lead paint are toxic, and specialized tools are needed to carry out the job. This is one of those things that you shouldn’t even consider working on. It’s just too much of a risk. If you factor a visit to the hospital, this is one DIY project where you will definitely not be saving any money. A handy repairman will get the job done well and you won’t risk losing any of your fingers or your health.