When it comes to home ownership, fewer things are more satisfying than a do-it-yourself project, especially for the crafty residents of Portland. It lets your get your hands dirty and handle home repairs on your own. It’s a great way to feel more invested as a homeowner. However, it isn’t the best idea to try to handle every single fix around your house. Some are simply a little too difficult for the average homeowner and others carry too high of a failure risk to make them worth attempting yourself. In these cases, it’s much better to invest in a bit of professional assistance to get the job done.
Appliance repairs
When it comes to appliance repairs, the bigger the item, the more likely it is that you should call in the cavalry. Sure, a damaged toaster or panini press might be simple enough for you to handle solo, but an expensive stainless steel oven range with an electric stovetop might be the point where you pull out your laptop and Google “appliance repair in Portland” because it’s probably veering into the “bit too advanced” range.
Depending on the manufacturer of your appliances, you may be covered by some sort of limited warranty. While that’s all well and good, it’s important to keep in mind that these warranties often have clauses that are written to prevent any DIY repairs. This means that if you attempt a repair and happen to cause any further damages to your appliance, you’re voiding your warranty and will have to pay for any further fixes or repairs out of pocket. If this is the case, it’s best to call in a pro repairman to handle the fix. Some manufacturers use a specific network of providers so double check to make sure that’s not the case before you commit to a service.
Sewage troubles
When it comes to your plumbing, there are plenty of simple projects that are definitely DIY-friendly. There are also plenty that you shouldn’t touch on your own, even with a ten-foot pole. Your sewage lines and pipes fall into this latter category. While it may seem simple enough based on its description, sewer drain cleaning is definitely a bit more complicated than you’d think. Plus, it requires a bit more finesse to prevent any damages and cracks during the cleaning process.
It’s in your best interest to reach out to a professional plumber to get a quote on how much a cleaning will run you. This is also one of those tasks that you shouldn’t put off for too long. Since Portland gets so much precipitation, backups happen pretty frequently too. Backed up plumbing and sewage drain clogs can lead to great complications down the road, and much more expensive repairs and fixes. It’s better to be proactive about sewage cleaning so it doesn’t end up costing you.
Leave the electric alone
If you’re having issues with your home’s wiring and you don’t happen to be a certified electrician, take a step back before you even pick up a power tool. This doesn’t mean you’re ill-equipped to handle basic installations like ceiling fans and new gadgets. But if it gets any more complicated than that, you absolutely need a professional. Very few contractors believe any sort of wiring project remotely qualifies as DIY, so it’s best to leave it alone.
The consequences alone should be enough to deter you. From electrocution to electrical fires (which are definitely not worth the risk in Portland’s climate), there are too many worst-case scenarios. Plus, you need to have a strong working knowledge of building codes to make sure that everything you’re doing is up to snuff. This is where a licensed electrician can really help you out.
Handle the basics
When it comes to DIY projects, if you feel at all uncomfortable with the scope of the repair, don’t put yourself in a compromising situation. Companies such as Fast Keys, can easily fix small issues such as locks on doors. Often, it’ll even be cheaper than the possibility of a repair mishap so if you’re worried about budgeting, you can relax. There are still plenty of projects you can handle on your own so find a few that excite you and get to work.