Avoid a DIY disaster this summer
It’s that time of the year again. You’re on summer break and ready to get stuck into some of those jobs around the home you’ve been putting off.
Maybe you need to plaster and paint a wall or clean your gutters. Does the garden need some love? Or do you have a leaky tap you need to repair?
Of course, there are simple jobs you can do yourself, but then there are trickier tasks that are best left to professionals. The problem is, it’s not always easy to tell which is which.
To help you draw the line, here are 4 occasions when you should hire a tradie to avoid a DIY disaster.
1. You’re working with anything electrical
The last thing you want during the summer holidays is to end up in hospital while completing a home DIY project. It’s okay to change your own light bulbs, but if you’re doing anything more than that – say installing downlights or replacing a broken power point – it’s probably best to call a professional. To put it simply, electricity is extremely dangerous. A qualified electrician will advise you on the safest way to complete the job. They’re also able to handle a variety of tasks, from installing a ceiling fan to completely re-wiring your house.
Call an electrician when dealing with electrical issues. Image: Getty
2. You’re dealing with plumbing
Sure, you can change a washer on your own, but what about that leaky pipe or overflowing toilet? It might seem cheaper to fix a bathroom pipe yourself, but before you know it, you could have a full-flowing geyser spraying all over the room damaging your walls. Not only could you damage other parts of the house, but the bill for the plumber might be more expensive than the original cost to repair the small leak. Licenced plumbers are equipped with all the right tools and can install, repair and maintain your plumbing system without the hassle and mess.
Hire a professional for any plumbing problems. Image: Getty
3. You’re not sure which tools to use
Sometimes there’s no avoiding the use of power tools to get a job done, but if you’re not sure which tools to use, or how to use them properly, you should call a professional. Whether you’re looking to repair a dodgy gate or undertake tricky roofing repairs, RAA Trade Assist experts will get the job done quickly with all the right gear.
If you’re unsure what tool to use, it’s best to speak to a pro. Image: Getty
4. You’re removing mould
Most of us have had to clean stubborn mould off shower screens or bathroom tiles at some point, but did you know there are far more dangerous types of mould that can damage your home and cause health problems? If you notice new discolouration on your ceiling or in your bathroom, don’t ignore it. Some types of mould can give off toxic spores and vapours that could be dangerous to your health. If you’re concerned about mould growth and not sure what to do, it’s best to call in a professional. They have the proper equipment needed to find and remove the mould and clean the area to stop future growth. Getting rid of mould in your home takes time and elbow grease and can sometimes require harsh chemicals. So, while it can be tempting to tackle the task on your own, remember you may not have the right tools to keep your family safe and remove all the mould. Experts will also search for the source of the mould, such as a leak or moist materials and determine any damaged parts of the house need to be repaired or replaced.
Professionals can safely clean mould from your house. Image: Getty