- Alexander Rodriguez
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY Home Repairs
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Home repairs can be tricky. Some projects seem easy enough to handle on your own, while others can quickly turn into disasters if you don’t have the right experience. So, how do you know when to grab your toolbox and when to call a pro?
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve seen plenty of DIY projects gone wrong—and trust us, some repairs are best left to the experts. Here’s how to decide when to DIY and when to call a professional.
DIY Repairs: When You Can Fix It Yourself
There are plenty of home repairs that don’t require a pro. If you have basic tools, a little patience, and the right instructions, you can handle these on your own.
1️⃣ Patching Small Holes in Drywall
✔ Small nail holes or dents? Easy fix with spackle and a putty knife.
✔ Larger holes (bigger than a baseball)? Might need a drywall patch.
🚨 Skip the DIY if: The damage is widespread, or you notice cracks in walls that could signal structural issues.
2️⃣ Fixing a Running Toilet
✔ If your toilet keeps running after you flush, it’s usually a faulty flapper or float.
✔ You can replace flapper valves and fill valves for under $20.
🚨 Skip the DIY if: You notice leaks at the toilet’s base or frequent clogs—these could mean serious plumbing issues.
3️⃣ Replacing a Light Fixture
✔ Swapping out an old light fixture? As long as you turn off the power at the breaker, this is usually an easy job.
✔ Make sure wires match up correctly, and use wire nuts for secure connections.
🚨 Skip the DIY if: You have old wiring, flickering lights, or frequent breaker trips—this could mean bigger electrical problems.
4️⃣ Cleaning Gutters
✔ Keeping gutters clear of leaves and debris helps prevent roof and foundation damage.
✔ All you need is a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a garden hose.
🚨 Skip the DIY if: Your gutters are damaged, sagging, or pulling away from your house. This could mean bigger issues with your fascia or roofing.
5️⃣ Re-Caulking a Bathtub or Shower
✔ Peeling or cracked caulk? Scrape it off and apply a new waterproof silicone sealant.
✔ Let it cure for at least 24 hours before using the shower.
🚨 Skip the DIY if: You see mold behind the caulk or notice water damage—this could mean a leaky shower pan or hidden plumbing problems.
When to Call a Professional
Some home repairs are too dangerous, complicated, or costly to mess up. If a mistake could lead to serious damage, injury, or expensive repairs, call a pro.
1️⃣ Electrical Work Beyond Simple Fixture Replacement
🚨 Call a pro if:
✔ You need to install new wiring, outlets, or circuit breakers.
✔ You smell burning near outlets or your breaker trips frequently.
✔ You live in an older home with outdated wiring.
⚠ Why? Electrical mistakes can lead to shocks, fires, and code violations.
2️⃣ Major Plumbing Repairs
🚨 Call a pro if:
✔ You have a burst pipe, water leak inside walls, or low water pressure.
✔ Your sewer line backs up or you smell sewage in your home.
✔ Your water heater is leaking or not working properly.
⚠ Why? Plumbing mistakes can cause water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs.
3️⃣ Roof Repairs & Major Leaks
🚨 Call a pro if:
✔ You notice missing shingles, sagging areas, or water stains on ceilings.
✔ Your roof leaks during heavy rain.
✔ You need to replace flashing or repair structural damage.
⚠ Why? Working on a roof is dangerous, and improper repairs can make leaks worse.
4️⃣ Mold & Water Damage Restoration
🚨 Call a pro if:
✔ You find black mold, musty smells, or water stains on walls or ceilings.
✔ Your basement or crawl space is consistently damp.
✔ You had a flood, burst pipe, or sewage backup.
⚠ Why? Mold spreads quickly and can cause health issues—plus, water damage weakens your home’s structure.
5️⃣ Structural Issues & Foundation Problems
🚨 Call a pro if:
✔ You notice cracks in your foundation, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close.
✔ Your basement walls bow inward or show signs of movement.
✔ There’s standing water around your foundation after rain.
⚠ Why? Ignoring foundation issues can lead to major structural failures and skyrocketing repair costs.
FAQs: DIY vs. Professional Repairs
Q: How do I know if I should attempt a repair myself?
A: If the repair is small, low-risk, and within your skill level, you can likely DIY. If it involves electricity, plumbing, structural issues, or safety hazards, call a pro.
Q: What’s the most common DIY mistake homeowners make?
A: Trying to fix plumbing leaks without knowing the water shut-off locations—this often leads to flooding and costly water damage.
Q: Is it cheaper to DIY or hire a professional?
A: It depends! If you have the tools and knowledge, DIY can save money. But if a mistake could cost more in repairs, hiring a pro is worth the investment.
Q: What’s one repair I should NEVER try to DIY?
A: Electrical panel upgrades. One wrong move can cause shocks, fires, or even death—leave it to a licensed electrician.
Q: How do I find a good contractor for professional repairs?
A: Look for licensed, insured professionals with good online reviews and referrals. Always ask for estimates in writing before starting work.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Limits & Call ERX When You Need Help
DIY home repairs can save money, but some jobs are too risky to handle on your own. If you’re dealing with major plumbing, electrical issues, mold, or water damage, calling a professional can prevent bigger problems down the road.
📞 Need professional help? Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for expert home repairs, water damage restoration, and more! 🚨
