When to Call a Professional: Know Your Limits
DIY home maintenance is empowering, but some jobs are best left to licensed and insured professionals. Prioritizing your safety and the integrity of your home’s systems is not a sign of failure; it’s a sign of wisdom.
Always call a professional for:
Gas Appliances: If you suspect a gas leak (the smell of rotten eggs), leave the house immediately and call your gas utility from a safe distance. Do not operate light switches or phones inside. All repairs on gas lines or appliances should be done by a qualified technician.
Major Electrical Work: While changing a light fixture might be a DIY task for some, any work involving your home’s circuit breaker panel or running new wiring requires a licensed electrician.
Roofing: Working on a roof is dangerous without proper safety equipment and training. For any repairs beyond clearing debris from the ground, hire a professional roofer.
Structural Issues: Large cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, or leaning walls are signs of serious problems that need to be evaluated by a structural engineer.
HVAC Systems: While you can and should change your filters, any repairs involving refrigerant or the internal mechanics of your furnace or air conditioner should be handled by a certified HVAC technician.
Significant Mold or Pest Problems: If you find a large area of mold (more than 10 square feet) or a pest infestation that isn’t resolved with simple traps, call in a remediation or pest control expert. For questions about poisons or chemicals, always contact Poison Control (U.S.).
