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Uzone.id – If you have your own house, you must also be ready to face a series of housework that may never end.
From leaking faucets, leaking walls, leaking or broken house roofs, then peeling wall paint and damaged electronic devices.
Of course not all problems can be done by yourself. There is also a time when you have to call a professional to do it. Well, we detail the homework that you can do by yourself (DIY) or need a handyman to complete it.
1. Leaky Faucet
DIY Level: Easy
A dripping faucet is one of the most annoying sounds in any home, but the good news is, it’s usually an easy fix. A leaky faucet usually needs a new washer or O-ring, available at any hardware store for a few bucks. With a wrench and patience, you can fix it in under an hour.
When to Call a Pro:
If just replacing the washer or O-ring is not enough to stop the leak, especially if there is already stagnant water, it’s time to call a plumber.
Rather, the damage is getting bigger and even draining the contents of your wallet because of the “leaky tap” only.
2. Clogged Drain
DIY Level: Moderate
Clogged drains are common in kitchens and bathrooms. For minor clogs, a plunger or drain snake usually works. DIY methods like pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain break up clogs. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and effective!
When to Call a Pro:
If plunging, snaking, and internet hacks haven’t cleared the clog, the blockage may be deeper in the plumbing. Call a plumber, especially if water backs up into the sink or tub. Unsafely fixing pipes can worsen the problem.
3. Painting a Room
DIY Level: Easy
Painting is one of the most satisfying and affordable ways to refresh a room. With the right tools—rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths—you can get professional-looking results on your own. Just take your time prepping the walls (clean them, fill any holes or cracks), and you’re good to go.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’re dealing with high ceilings, tricky corners, or textured walls, hiring a professional painter might be worth it. Unlike those of you who are not yet experts, these craftsmen have been trained to do tricky housework, let alone just painting the room.
4. Fixing a Running Toilet
DIY Level: Easy
A running toilet isn’t just annoying; it can also waste a ton of water. Gampang kok memperbaikinya, cuma ganti flapper di dalam tangki saja yang harganya mungkin dari $10 sampai $20. Kalau kurang paham bagaimana menggantinya, coba sambil lihat tutorialnya di YouTube.
When to Call a Pro:
If replacing the flapper doesn’t solve the issue, the problem might be with the fill valve or another internal part of the toilet. If you’re not sure how to fix it, it’s better to call a plumber than risk causing more damage.
5. Installing Light Fixtures
DIY Level: Moderate
Switching out an old light fixture for something more stylish can make a huge difference in a room’s look. If you’re comfortable working with electricity (after turning off the power at the breaker), and the new fixture uses the same wiring as the old one, this can be a great DIY project.
When to Call a Pro:
Electricity can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If unsure about wiring or need to add or move a fixture, call an electrician for safety.
6. Repairing Drywall Holes
DIY Level: Easy
Patching drywall that is perforated because of nails from painting hangers, photos, and so on, is quite easy. If the hole is as small as a nail, you can patch it with spackle and paint of the same color. Meanwhile, if the hole is a bit big, you can use a special patch kit and then coat it with the same paint.
When to Call a Pro:
It’s different if the damage is big, for example there are too many holes, holes that trigger cracks in the wall, or even become weathered because of mold.
It is better to hire a professional handyman to fix it.
7. Unclogging the Garbage Disposal
DIY Level: Easy
If the waste disposal at home is disturbed, the kitchen will be dirty and invite many diseases. Fixing it is easy, prepare an Allen wrench or a long iron handle to suppress the blockage and remove it.
When to Call a Pro:
If the garbage disposal still won’t work after you’ve cleared the jam, it could be time for a replacement. Call a plumber or electrician if you’re not comfortable installing a new unit yourself.
8. Fixing a Squeaky Door
DIY Level: Easy
Squeaky doors are more annoying than anything else, and thankfully, they’re easy to fix. Most of the time, it just takes a little WD-40 or other lubricant sprayed onto the hinges to silence the squeak.
When to Call a Pro:
If lubricating the hinges doesn’t help, the door might be misaligned or warped. A carpenter can fix this quickly, especially if the door needs to be trimmed down to fit properly in the frame.
When to DIY and When to Call a Pro?
DIY projects can be a fun, cost-effective way to improve your home, but they’re not always the right choice. Before diving into a repair, consider your skill level, the complexity of the task, and whether you have the right tools. Some jobs, especially those involving electricity, plumbing, or structural repairs, are best left to professionals to avoid costly (and potentially dangerous) mistakes.
For small fixes like painting, patching drywall, or fixing a running toilet, go ahead and DIY! But for more complicated projects, it’s worth spending the extra cash to call in the pros and get the job done right.
At the end of the day, knowing when to DIY and when to call for help will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration!
