An expert has revealed the repair jobs homeowners should definitely leave to the professionals – or risk disaster. Many people enjoy tackling odd jobs during their downtime, fixing up things around the home and garden themselves rather than forking out for someone else to do it.
But any mishap can have disastrous consequences, risking more damage and even injury, an expert is warning. Ricky Sharma, Managing Director at Engineering Real Results (ERR), a leading tradesperson training firm, believes certain jobs are too risky for DIY novices to attempt.
He said: “I know the saying goes ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself’ but some jobs should only be done by those with professional know-how. Skilled tradies are often in-demand, which means non-emergencies might not be dealt with straight away. You have to pay for their time which can add up depending on the scale of the problem.
“But your DIY mistakes could put you at risk and end up costing more to fix than the initial job.”
Don’t touch the gas
Mr Sharma said: “Gas engineers go through professional qualifications and must be on the Gas-Safe register, with good reason. So much can go wrong with gas appliances with sometimes deadly consequences if altered incorrectly. A ‘DIY’ approach to gas, whether that’s your boiler or oven, is not worth it.”
No electrical jobs
You might find guides online for replacing a fuse box or installing a new circuit, but these are examples of jobs you might have a local authority representative coming to inspect. Registered electricians can sign-off the work themselves.
“There’s a risk of giving yourself a shock or full electrocution if you are not competent with electricals,” Mr Sharma added.
“Most electricians keep their skills, tools and materials up-to-date. They have relevant know-how to make sure the job is up to modern industry standards, as opposed to your make-do tools and the three-year-old YouTube tutorial you’re following.”
Working at height
Clearing drains, cleaning windows or painting a ceiling can mean using a ladder or raised surface to complete the task – and a slip can result in a trip to A&E. Mr Sharma said: “It might be a simple job, but adding height as an element can change this into a dangerous task.
“There are plenty of handymen that would be happy to help out with even the most simple jobs, so homeowners should consider the risk before climbing up ladders themselves.”
Plumbing works
ERR’s Mr Sharma warns people can underestimate how much damage can be caused by mishandled pipes. He said: “Fixing leaking pipes or fixing incorrectly plumbed-in appliances are some of the most common call-outs plumbers receive.
“Water can cause a lot of damage to your home and incur serious costs to resolve. And of course, appliances that mix electricals and water carry an even greater risk. I’d recommend homeowners don’t underestimate the task at hand. To keep safe, and protect your home, err on the side of caution and seek professional tradespeople to carry out works.”