DIY or Call a Pro? 5 Things You Can Tackle Yourself

Many home repairs and improvement projects are simple enough to do yourself (DIY), but some require the special skills, expertise and tools of a professional. Attempting a task on your own may save you money but a botched repair can cost you more in the long run. Below is a list that can help you decide between doing it yourself and hiring a professional:

1. Painting

Painting walls is an easy DIY project that almost anyone with a steady hand can do. Before applying a coat of paint, fill in holes with spackling paste and use masking tape to protect exposed areas. Be sure you can properly ventilate the room, and remember, the proper tools make your job much easier!

2. Floor upgrades

Repairing and cleaning wood or vinyl floors is a DIY job. Use adhesive to repair vinyl seams and a brown crayon to fill scratches in wood floors. However, consider a professional to install hardwood floors; a job that requires precise line up of planks. For floors that have been damaged by flooding or a house fire, always call a professional, like Puroclean Romeoville!

3. Electrical repairs

Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and LEDs yourself, plus it’s often super quick to complete. Installing outlet covers and switch plates is also a simple task. Unless you have the right expertise, hire a professional to install heavy fixtures, add new power outlets or for rewiring. Ignoring this advice can result in personal injuries or costly mistakes. Better to be safe than sorry!

4. Plumbing work

Easy projects you can do yourself include replacing faucet washers and toilet flappers, unclogging drains and installing new showerheads. You can really update a bathroom look with some simple swaps of the bathroom faucet (and a light fixture, like we mentioned above in the electrical repairs section!) A quick look on Youtube can teach you a lot, and your cultivated confidence after completing a job will fuel you to try more home DIY! Be sure to call a professional for bigger jobs like moving or installing plumbing pipes and fixtures, to avoid the risk of extensive (and expensive) water damage.

5. Installing tile

With the necessary tools, you can install a backsplash and replace cracked tiles on your own. It can be fun and rewarding to pick out the tile you like, design the layout, and methodically cut and place your pieces. There are myriad articles and DIY videos online to help get you on your way! You can also check with your local tile supply or home repair store – they often have classes and knowledgeable employs eager to share their experience and tips. Hire a contractor to install tiles on large floors and walls. Always call a restoration professional if you suspect water damage or mold behind tile.

If you need an expensive tool that you will only use once, don’t buy it! Rent it or hire a contractor who already owns that equipment. Remember that planning ahead and knowing your strengths and weaknesses are important elements in the success of a DIY project. If you are patient and prepared, you will have a much better result – give it a try!

For bigger and more specialized items like repair and mediation (think water damage, fire and smoke remediation, and mold removal services in the western Chicago suburbs (like Naperville, Oswego, Burr Ridge and surrounding areas), you can always count on your friendly, veteran owned and run PuroClean Romeoville. Our knowledgeable and experienced PuroClean professionals are available 24/7/365. Give us a call at (815) 905-2225.

Follow us on Facebook for more tips from PuroClean, The Paramedics of Property Damage.