As a homeowner, you are likely aware of the multitude of responsibilities involved in having your own home. There are annual and seasonal checklists with routine maintenance items. And, as time passes, there will be upgrades and updates that will present themselves. You will undoubtedly encounter both needs and wants for home changes depending upon your budget, skill sets, tastes, and the general wear and tear of your home.
While self-sufficiency is an essential life skill, safety is paramount. With that in mind, read on for guidance on what you should do yourself and what you should hire out to a professional.
Cabinetry
- Do: Touch up small scratches and surface nicks to keep your cabinets looking nice and cared for. This is an easy undertaking that you can accomplish on a weekend or over a couple of evenings. All it requires is some basic sanding and painting skills.
- Don’t: Complete a major cabinetry renovation on your own. Often the walls behind your existing cabinets will have shifted or were not even to begin with. Work with professional cabinet makers or installers for the best results. When you are looking for a particular style, such as shaker cabinets, you want to spend your hard-earned money to get specific results. Professional-grade cabinetry will offer you peace of mind with warranties, high-quality artisanship, and professional-looking results.
Electrical
- Do: Update or change out light fixtures and outlets. If your lighting is unappealing or old, switching out fixtures is an easy activity for a beginner. Remember that safety is essential when working with electricity. Always follow the instructions and read them beforehand so that you know what steps to take.
- Don’t: Make major electrical repairs or rewiring projects such as installing a ceiling fan where one was not installed before are jobs for a licensed electrician. They will know how to handle everything from proper connections to voltage requirements. Electricians are trained in their trade to handle unforeseen situations that may occur to keep you and your family safe.
Plumbing
- Do: Update or change out old kitchen and bathroom faucets for new ones. Are your current faucets aged, worn, or out-date? If so, this is a realistic task for someone who has never tried their hand at plumbing jobs.
- Don’t: Conduct a complete overhaul of old or faulty pipe systems within your home. If you find major problems with your home plumbing, contact a licensed plumber to tackle the project. There are so many intricacies that a professional will be aware of. They can ensure water-tight completion of the repairs so that you do not have any costly leaks and restoration later on.
Your home is the place where you spend most of your time outside of work. Over the past year or so you have likely spent more time at home than work. During that period, you had the opportunity to make lists for home changes, or you may have come across necessary home repairs. Seek out licensed professionals to handle larger projects such as cabinetry renovations. For the smaller tasks, have confidence knowing you can do it.
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