Doing home repairs on your own can be a lot less expensive than hiring someone to do them for you. However, it is important that you can fix a problem safely and correctly. Let’s go over some tips that can help you keep your home in good condition without harming yourself or anyone else who shares the property with you.
Learn Before You Do
If you’re doing a home repair project that you’ve never done before, it’s probably not a good idea to jump right into it. You need to make sure that you understand what you are doing and how to do it properly to make sure that you don’t hurt yourself or others in the process. It can be a good idea to read instruction manuals, watch tutorial videos or take other steps to learn as much about a project as possible before you start it. This can help you understand the type of tools that you’ll need, how long it should take to complete and whether you will need help lifting or moving an object.
Get an Inspection
Getting an inspection can make it easier to determine the true scope of the pest, mold or other issue that your home is experiencing. It can also help you determine if you will need to remove or exterminate rodents, birds or stinging insects before you can fix the problem. Having an inspection is also a smart idea if you are dealing with water leaks because it can be difficult to determine the source of a leak on your own.
Use the Proper Equipment
If you are cutting wood, stone or other materials, it is essential to wear goggles or other eye protection. This is because sparks, wood chips or other debris could easily fly into your eyes. It may also be necessary to wear a harness and slip-resistant footwear while working on a roof to reduce your chances of a fall. You should make sure that the gloves you use offer the right safety protections for the work you are doing. Gloves that are too thin might not offer sufficient protection while touching hot surfaces. If they don’t fit right, they can make it harder to grip power tools or other important equipment.
Use Safety Equipment Properly
In addition to using the right safety equipment, it is imperative that you use it correctly. For instance, failing to properly attach a harness could render it useless or not as effective as it could be. Failing to use a ventilation system as it’s designed could expose you to toxic chemicals or other debris in the air that this tool would otherwise be able to remove.
Wait for the Right Weather Conditions
Working on the roof during periods of rain, snow or other extreme weather can put you at an increased risk of getting hurt. Trying to make a roof repair when it is wet outside can also result in damage to shingles or other roof components. Unless you have an air conditioner available, it can be dangerous to work inside during periods of excessive humidity. This can be especially true if you have to work in attics, basements or other parts of a home that have poor air circulation.
Don’t Overexert Yourself
If you have a sore back, a strained neck or other muscle issues, you shouldn’t engage in activities that involve repeated bending or twisting. It is also important to take frequent breaks when working in extremely hot or cold conditions to avoid hypothermia or heat stroke.
Taking frequent breaks to get fresh air can also be ideal when working in cramped conditions when you aren’t using a ventilation system or other respiratory tools. If you are working while at home by yourself, be sure to keep a cellphone or other communication device nearby. This will allow you to call for help quickly if you get stuck, get hurt or experience any other type of emergency. Make sure that other people know what you’ll be working on and when you expect that you should be finished.
Don’t DIY What You Shouldn’t DIY
While you may feel good about being able to repair your home, you can’t do everything yourself. For instance, it’s generally not wise to repair an electrical problem unless you are a licensed professional or have other relevant experience. If you’re afraid of heights, it may not be the best idea to repair the roof or otherwise work several feet off of the ground. As a general rule, you shouldn’t perform any task that requires specialized knowledge or experience that you don’t have. This could include making repairs to a gas line or other components that could be significantly damaged if you don’t know what you are doing. Professionals should also be allowed to perform water and smoke restoration work as they typically have the tools to do the job properly and safely.
As a homeowner, it is important that you take proactive steps to keep your home in good condition. Homes that are well maintained tend to be worth more and are more attractive to buyers. You will also likely notice that the roof, floors and other important components last longer when they are properly installed and maintained and repaired in a timely manner.