When to Call a Professional Contractor
Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are often fun, affordable weekend ventures, but can sometimes quickly turn into expensive disasters. It can be much more cost effective to hire a licensed contractor from the beginning than it is to hire one to fix an unexperienced handyman’s, or your own mistakes. For smaller home improvement or repair tasks, however, a YouTube video and the right tools can go a long way.
So how do you know when you should hire a professional general contractor? It depends on what category the repair or improvement falls into, your skill level, and your budget. Review the information below before you make your final decision.
Plumbing:
If you are experiencing a small plumbing problem like a clogged drain, frequent plunging definitely helps. If your toilets or drains keep clogging or backing up, you may have a more serious sewer or septic line problem that necessitates a plumber. Other smaller issues like slow leaks and drips can usually be easily repaired. No matter the size of the leak, it should never be left alone for very long. Mold and water damage can occur very quickly and cause more severe problems.
With plumbing, whether you decide to try and do it yourself or call a contractor, do it as soon as possible. Letting a plumbing problem go only causes water bills to become higher and the situation to worsen.
Electrical:
Electrical do-it-yourself projects are not usually a good idea. Tampering with outlets or lighting fixtures can be very dangerous if you do not have any prior electrical repair experience. You could easily hurt yourself and cause additional problems that require more extensive repairs.
When dealing with electricity, you should always call a professional electrician unless you have experience.
Water Damage/Flooding:
The first steps when dealing with a significant ongoing water loss are shutting off the water and determining the source of the leak. Shutting off your home’s main water supply is a fairly simple process that you can easily do yourself. Unless it is obvious, locating the leak can be more difficult than you might think and could require an expert who has the proper leak detection equipment. If you are away from your home for several days and arrive to find that it is flooded, calling an expert right away is the best thing to do, as damage is more than likely significant and there is a high chance of mold growth on the affected area.
Some water losses that are noticed quickly enough can be mopped up with a few towels and require little repair. More often, unfortunately, water damage or flooding requires quite a few expensive pieces of dry-out equipment, dehumidifiers, leak detection equipment, and countless hours of plumbing repair, drywall repair, painting, flooring removal and repair, and even mold remediation. Water damage and flooding also frequently necessitates the filing of an insurance claim.
Handling a water loss can be quite difficult, and because of this a professional restoration contractor, like Mr. Fix It, should almost always be called.
Mold:
If you notice mold growing in your home, call a mold remediation contractor. Even if it is a miniscule amount, ask for advice on how it should be handled. You may think it is a small problem that does not require much attention, but it could be more serious than you think. More mold could be growing behind the walls or underneath the carpet and the problem will multiply rapidly unless it is completely removed right away.
Removing it yourself is not advised. Mold is very dangerous and when inhaled or ingested it can cause severe illness. People often think that bleach kills mold, but that is not true. Bleach does not kill mold! The mold must be completely removed, which means cutting it away from whatever it has infected, (wall, floor, ceiling, etc.). Then, thoroughly cleaning the surrounding area with contractor grade mold killer and disinfectant, and finally repairing the formerly infected area to pre-loss conditions.
If you smell a musty, moldy odor but can’t see any mold, call a mold inspector. Don’t just let it go. Mold grows very quickly and the problem will get worse the longer it is left alone.
Call a professional mold restoration contractor if you see or smell mold in your home.
Remodeling:
Many remodeling tasks, like installing a backsplash or a vanity, can be done relatively easily on your own. Some searching online could help you find all the necessary materials and an abundance of how-to videos.
Larger projects that include demolition or drywall and wood construction are more difficult and risky, and it might be best to call a licensed contractor from the start. A professional contractor already has all the necessary tools and equipment, as well as the experience and knowledge to take on the task. Licensed contractors are also aware of the code regulations that need to be met and the necessary permits needed during construction.
DIY remodeling projects can save money on labor, but could end up costing you more if you underestimate the job. You also have to consider the extra time a DIY project takes, as compared to the time it would take an experienced contractor. Any accidents or mistakes can also add to the cost, as well as any surprises, like mold or termite damage.
When undertaking your own remodeling projects, make sure you are aware of exactly what you need and exactly how to do it. If you are at all unsure or hesitant, call a contractor like Mr. Fix It, even just for advice or a free estimate.
Handyman/Small Repair Tasks:
Other small repairs or handyman work, such as painting or small drywall repairs, are usually easy enough to do yourself with minimal experience. Make sure you use the correct materials and know the exact procedure ahead of time.
Again, mistakes will add to the cost. So be sure you know what to do before you attempt it, or it could be more expensive. However, if you do make a mistake during your project, an experienced contractor can help. Consider calling a contractor from the start for a quick and reliable fix.
If you do need a professional contractor, call Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista. We are licensed, bonded, and insured in home remodeling, repair, mold and water damage restoration and plumbing.
Call (520) 227-8194 or email mrfixitsv@cox.net to schedule your free estimate today!
