In today’s age of do-it-yourself resources and YouTube videos, it can be exciting to tackle new projects in your home. However, there are some projects that should be left to professionals; no project is worth putting your home or family’s safety at risk to save some money. Help yourself and your home by knowing the difference between a big change, and a big pain.
Cabinets
Cabinets are ubiquitous to most kitchens, so they can seem commonplace and easy to change. What most homeowners forget, however, is that cabinets must be chosen and correctly installed in order to be functional, and many things can go wrong when putting up your own. Even being just slightly unlevel will become apparent when you start putting belongings into the cabinets. Proper placement can be important to make them load-bearing, as well. So, find professionals near you who are experienced and well-reviewed to make your kitchen and bathroom cabinets pop visually instead of pop off the walls.
Exterior Paint Jobs
Painting the outside of a home seems like a large but doable task. Unfortunately, it also involves climbing ladders of varying heights — sometimes climbing on the roof — and all of the fine details like trim and rake boards. Look at posted reviews of local painting agencies near you to find someone who has the right experience, equipment, and training to do a good job, and do it safely. Painting a two-story will typically cost you between $3,500 and $4,000 on average, so be sure to choose your contractor and paint carefully before you commit.
Furnaces
Every modern home needs a furnace, but installing one can require the work of a professional. Furnaces have a typical lifespan of around 15 years, so if it begins to act strangely, it may be time to replace it rather than pay for temporary repairs. While the average cost for a furnace runs between $1,000 and $6,000, it really all depends on the type you choose. For example, a gas furnace typically costs between $2,000 and $10,000, while electric runs between $1,700 and $7,000. Once you have selected the right furnace for your home, look for a specialist who can install your investment carefully and safely.
Roof Repairs
Every home has a roof, but not every home has a roofing professional. Even if the problem seems like one that would be simple to fix, such as missing shingles, roof work is dangerous in even the best of situations. The average cost of roof repairs is around $650, which is far less than the costs of medical care after falling from your roof or ladder. What’s more, professionals have all of the necessary equipment and training to effectively patch holes or find issues, making it an investment that is well worth it for the well-being of your home.
Anything Gas-Related
Any gas appliances, regardless of size, should be installed or moved by a professional. The risks associated with poorly installed gas appliances are catastrophic, including house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas lines must be properly sealed in order to keep your home and family safe, so be sure to find an expert in your area who knows what they are doing.
Windows
Window installers require specialized tools and sometimes ladders to get windows square and well-sealed. While smaller, single-level windows are more or less manageable, there are so many details that can go wrong when installing windows. Windows that are airtight will help you with your heating and cooling costs, so having them professionally installed will pay for itself over the long run — and it’s better for the planet, too!
While we all love a good project, some are much better served by a professional. They have the training and the tools to keep your home safe, sealed, and well-maintained.
