When faced with home-related problems like faulty appliances, a broken roof, or a DIY renovation project gone wrong, it is hard to decide when to fix it ourselves and when to seek professional help. While some cases may be easily fixed, we are bound to encounter problems that are best left to the experts. In this article, we help you decipher when it is safe to attempt a DIY fix or when it is time to hire a professional contractor.
DIY Fixes for Common Appliance Problems
Occasional appliance malfunctions happen to everyone. After all, the more you use something, the more you contribute to its wear and tear. In such cases, getting home appliance coverage will save you from spending time or money on these inevitable problems.
If you have yet to get one, your next best bet would be to learn easy DIY fixes you can do yourself. We recommend these tips when faced with common appliance problems.
- When your refrigerator stops working
Before you assume your fridge has reached the end of its lifetime, open the grill of your refrigerator and clean out the coils, usually found at the bottom or in the back of your machine. Most breakdowns are caused by built-up dirt and pet hair in these coils, which cause the compressor to overheat.
- When your stove won’t light up
This can happen when food spills over to the igniter when you are cooking. Consult your appliance manual and locate the igniter or burner. Clean it out with a toothbrush or dry cloth.
- When your oven isn’t heating food
We immediately assume this problem is caused by a broken exhaust fan or faulty electrical wiring. While that may be the case sometimes, check the door seals first. If your seal is loose or dirty, the door will not completely close. Wipe it down and see if resealing the door will help in properly heating the food.
- When your dishes come out dirty from the dishwasher
Clogged nozzles and filters are common culprits of this problem. Spinning nozzles clear your dishes of food, which then falls into the filters during washing. Check both parts and see if they need cleaning.
When to Hire a Professional Contractor
While these tips may seem easy enough for anyone to do, they are only a few on the long list of problems you can encounter. That said, make sure to consider these factors when facing more complex problems:
- Expertise and experience
How knowledgeable are you about the appliance you are fixing?
- Physical labor
Does the solution involve carrying, pulling, or pushing? Are you physically capable of doing it yourself?
- Scope of the problem
How complex is the problem? Will it require more people and more time to get it fixed?
Reflecting on these questions will give you a clearer idea of the problem at hand and what is required to fix it. When in doubt, hire a professional contractor.
What Is a Professional Contractor?
The first thing to note is that a professional contractor is different from a handyman. They are both skilled with home repairs and services, but professional contractors have a license to back up their expertise. They are more adept in specific tasks like electrical work, HVAC systems, construction, and securing permits, to name a few. For that reason, hiring a professional contractor is the best solution for more complex home problems and big-scale renovation projects.
They offer a wide range of services depending on the scope and nature of your project. We suggest contacting multiple contractors to discuss your requirements. Compare their services, costs, and timelines before making a decision.
Tips When Hiring a Professional Contractor
- Know what you want to get done
Before hiring a professional contractor, you must have a clear vision of what you want and how much you are willing to spend. Discuss this with your contractor and agree before starting the project. It will prevent any miscommunication due to sudden changes in plans or expectations.
- Stick to your agreement and your budget
Control yourself from adding small tasks to the agreement. If you do add onto the workload, however, don’t assume that your contractor is willing to do additional work without charging you extra.
- Oversee the project
Whether it is a one-and-done type of service or a months-long home improvement project, make sure to stay on top of the timelines, work done, and money spent.
In Conclusion
We are bound to encounter home-related problems occasionally. When these unforeseen situations happen, you must be prepared. Know which problems have easy DIY fixes and which ones need a professional contractor.
