Damage to your home can occur at any time and seems to always come when you’re trying to save money. Addressing your home’s storm damage with a do-it-yourself approach can seem to be the cost-effective and logical solution. However, knowing when it’s appropriate to DIY and when you should call a professional is important—and even life-saving.
Understand What You Know—and What You Don’t
You can’t successfully complete a home repair if you don’t have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge. Learning new DIY tricks is easier with online resources today and can be a fun and cost-saving solution for minor repairs. However, there are some skills that you just can’t learn from a YouTube video. If a repair seems outside your understanding and comfort level, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Often, a problem will seem simple but is actually the result of a larger underlying issue. Attempting to solve the problem yourself can lead to unnecessary waste of time and money. Be honest with yourself about your knowledge and skill level.
Think Safety First
If there is a chance that you could be harmed in the process of completing a DIY repair, it’s best to call a professional. Storm damage should be identified and fixed promptly and safely.
You should always ask, “What could happen if I mess up?” If the answer is death, serious injury, or substantial property damage, the best option is to call a professional. Roofing and electrical work are considered major repairs and should be handled by a professional who knows the risks and how to manage them.
Look for Signs of Major Issues
Lightning, hail, rain, and wind can wreak havoc on your home’s roof, siding, and more. Examine your home for damage of any kind, and call a professional if you notice these are signs:
Structural Damage
Damage to your home’s structure can manifest in many ways. If you notice that your floor is sloping, doors won’t close, odd smells are coming from outlets, or cracks appear in glass or walls, there may be a structural issue that a professional should inspect. Repairing the surface level problems won’t solve this larger issue.
Electrical Damage
Electrical work is not a task that a novice should tackle on their own. Electrical issues are often a result of a lightning strike and should be taken seriously. Call a professional as soon as possible if you suspect any type of electrical damage. If you smell smoke or see exposed or melted wires, evacuate your home.
Roof Damage
Look for damage to your roof from the ground to avoid the risk of falling or further damaging your roof by walking on it. If your roof is leaking or if a tree has fallen on your home, call a professional immediately. If your roof is missing shingles or has hail damage, have a professional repair the issue before it has a chance to worsen.
Deciding between DIY repairs or hiring a professional should come down to more than the cost. If there’s any risk of harm to you or your loved ones or significant damage to your property, it’s best to call a professional. For more information and tips about home improvement and repair projects, subscribe to our blog!
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