When to Hire a Professional

By Frank G. Ross

Each year, many homeowners successfully complete home repair and improvement projects.  The reasons vary.  It could be that some just can’t afford to hire a contractor or it could be that some enjoy the challenge or diversion of working with their hands.  Whatever the reason, home repairs and remodeling can be a great source of satisfaction and pleasure.

Some homeowners, at times don’t seem to be able to judge when a task is beyond their skills.  Painting, wallpapering and simple carpentry usually don’t cause much problem.  It’s the more complex work such as electrical, plumbing, heating and structural where problems arise.

In my line of work I see all kinds of owner-built projects.  In one home I inspected, the owner had installed the kitchen cabinets.  For whatever reason, he or she attached 2x4s flat against the wall and then attached the cabinets to the 2x4s.  The result of this is that the cabinet fronts are now closer together than they were intended to be and the drawer handles interfere with the opening of the drawers in the corners.  Another consequence is that countertop is no longer a standard depth.  Not a problem for this homeowner, he or she just installed floor tile for a countertop.  The edge was a combination of wood trim and ¼ round plastic.

Another home featured an arrangement of 2x4s in the crawlspace supporting the floor above, while another used concrete blocks and a stack of old lumber to do the job. 

More than once I have seen the condensate drain from the high efficiency furnace being routed to the main sewer drain – a real problem if the sewer line ever backs up. 

Once, in an older home, I observed copper tubing replacing the fuses in the electrical panel.  This was a highly dangerous fire hazard.

Other times homeowners have replaced the P-trap under sinks with a flex line.  This may be easier to install, but it is not approved for this application because it is not smooth inside (exacerbates clogs) and it is too thin (cracks easily).

So where should a homeowner draw the line?  When should a professional handle the job?  I suggest that most average do-it-yourselfers stay away from electrical, plumbing, roofing and structural work because of the complexity.  Be honest with yourself when evaluating your skills.  The money saved by doing it yourself is not worth the price you may pay if your family’s safety or your home’s integrity is compromised, even if unknowingly. 

If working on your home is a source of pleasure for you, stick to projects within your skill level.  Remember to follow all safety precautions and manufacturers’ instructions.  Take out a building permit and follow the advice of the local building inspector.  Have your work inspected.  Consult a professional as needed or whenever you have questions.

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and a member in good standing with the Utah Better Business Bureau.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com or www.pillarposthomeinspection.com