The drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet is more than just a nuisance. It’s a reminder of the many small repairs waiting in the wings of your home. We suppose that’s why 3 in 4 homeowners roll up their sleeves to tackle repairs themselves, driven by the allure of saving money on the many expenses that come with home ownership.

But what happens when DIY solutions turn into DIY dilemmas? Lee Company is a source of reliability for homeowners across the Southeast who value getting it right the first time over temporary fixes.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common household repairs that handymen can resolve quickly and efficiently. We’ll reveal when it’s wise to call in the pros and how doing so can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Ready to see what you can handle yourself and when it’s best to call in the experts? Let’s get started!

The DIY Landscape in Home Repairs

Has the enthusiasm to fix that dripping faucet or install a new light fixture left you with a bigger headache than you started with? You’re not alone. In the Southeast, where homes can range from brand-new builds to century-old structures, the allure of DIY repairs tempts many. 62% of homeowners dive into projects hoping to save money. But the reality isn’t always as cost-effective as they expected…

Common DIY pitfalls include:

• Plumbing: From over-tightened pipes that crack to misjudged connections leading to leaks.
• Electrical: Incorrect wiring of switches and outlets can not only fail to solve problems but also create safety concerns.
• Carpentry: What starts as a simple shelf installation can end with uneven, unstable results or, worse, damaged walls.

Nearly 80% of DIYers admit to making mistakes, and almost 50% have completely botched the project.

Why risk turning what could be a simple fix into a disaster?

Benefits of Professional Handyman Help Over DIY

Have you ever tackled a home repair project only to find yourself knee-deep in confusion and complications? This is a common scenario for many who opt for DIY.

What if you could bypass the frustration and uncertainty?

Professional handymen offer an alternative that’s often more time and cost-efficient than you might expect.

Here’s why:

• Speed: Handymen have the expertise to diagnose and fix issues quickly, often resolving problems in minutes that might take untrained individuals hours or even days.
• Cost-Effective: Initial DIY savings can be deceptive. Mistakes made during DIY projects often lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Professional handymen have the skills and tools to do the job right the first time.
• Peace of Mind: Instead of the guesswork and potential for mistakes, a professional handyman offers a guarantee for quality work. Plus, they’re licensed and insured to protect you from liability.
• Experience: While DIY enthusiasts may have passion and enthusiasm on their side, professionals bring years of experience and specialized training to every job. They can often identify underlying issues that DIYers might miss or not know how to fix correctly.
• Specialty Tools and Equipment: Rather than investing in costly tools and equipment for one-time use, professional handymen come equipped with everything needed to do the job efficiently.

If quick turnaround, reliability, and quality results are important to you, professional handyman services may be the way to go!

When You Need Professional Handyman Services

Deciding when to call a professional handyman can often feel like a guessing game. Is this a quick fix worth saving a few bucks, or is it a looming disaster?

Knowing the signs indicating it’s time to call the experts can save you time and protect your home from damage.

Key indicators that it’s time to hire a professional include:

• Persistent Issues: If that “fixed” faucet continues to leak or that door keeps sticking despite your best efforts, it might be time to call in a professional.
• Safety Concerns: A professional should handle electrical issues, like flickering lights or outlets that don’t work, to avoid risks like fire or electrocution.
• Planned Upgrades: When upgrading your home’s infrastructure, professional input ensures everything meets the current code and is installed correctly.

Tasks that often appear simple but can escalate into costly mistakes include:

• Plumbing: A small leak might not just need a new washer but could indicate more severe pipe damage or a problem behind the walls. A professional can identify the root cause rather than just fixing symptoms.
• Electrical: Even seemingly straightforward tasks, such as installing a new light fixture, can have hidden complexities. It requires knowledge of your home’s overall electrical system to prevent overload.
• Structural Changes: If not done correctly, removing a wall or adding a built-in might affect your home’s integrity.

A comprehensive Home Maintenance Plan can help you stay on top of necessary repairs and upgrades. It’s a preventive measure to address issues before they become emergencies. This kind of plan can keep your home running smoothly and prevent a backlog of small problems that could lead to bigger, more expensive ones.

So, before you reach for your toolbox, consider whether this repair is within your skill set or if it’s time to call in a reliable handyman or even a licensed tradesmen. Sometimes, the most cost-effective home repair is the one you let a pro handle from the start.

Benefits of Prompt Repairs

Have you ever put off a minor repair only to deal with a much bigger issue later? It’s an easy trap to fall into, and most homeowners are guilty. But catching those repairs early, especially with a professional’s help, can prevent a mountain of trouble down the line.

Benefits of prompt repairs include:

• Preventing further damage: Small leaks or cracks can quickly escalate into more significant problems, causing extensive damage to your home over time.
• Saving money: Addressing issues early on avoids costly emergency repairs and the need for significant renovations. Energy efficiency also improves when repairs are made promptly, resulting in lower utility bills.
• Increased Lifespan: Regular maintenance and timely repairs help extend the lifespan of your home’s appliances, systems, and infrastructure.
• Maintaining property value: Keeping up with repairs and maintenance can increase your home’s value. Neglecting small issues can lead to a decrease in property value over time.
• Ensuring safety: Promptly repairing damaged or faulty wiring, plumbing, or structural issues keeps you and your family safe.

Even the most diligent homeowners can overlook or underestimate the importance of quick home repairs. Without the trained eye of a professional, these issues can go unrecognized until they manifest as severe problems. Don’t wait for a minor repair to become a migraine.

Common Household Repairs Best Handled by Professionals

Tackling home repairs can be challenging, especially when they involve systems that require specialized skills and even licensing. Let’s look at common household repairs that demand a professional touch and often require specific credentials to ensure the work is up to code.

Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing systems are intricate, and mistakes can lead to significant damage. Here’s where licensed plumbers excel:

• Pipe repairs: Specialized knowledge is crucial for safely repairing burst, leaking, or corroded pipes.
• Drain cleaning: Advanced tools like camera inspections and hydro jetting are used to unclog drains effectively without damage.
• Water heater installation or repair: Proper installation by professionals ensures efficiency and adherence to safety standards.
• Sewer line repairs: Expert plumbers should tackle potentially hazardous main line issues to prevent health risks and property damage.

While a handyman can tackle simpler tasks like replacing faucets or fixing leaky toilets, major plumbing work should be left to licensed plumbers.

Electrical Repairs

We can’t emphasize enough the hazards of dealing with electrical systems without proper training. Electrical work often requires a licensed professional to comply with local regulations anyway.

A handyman can handle simple tasks like changing light bulbs or installing new light switches. Still, a licensed electrician is the only option for more complex electrical work.

Circuit breaker issues, wiring repairs or upgrades, and troubleshooting electrical problems are all tasks that should be left to a professional.

Carpentry and Hardware Fixes

From floors to doors, carpentry work can impact your home’s structural integrity and aesthetic.  Quality carpentry goes beyond basic repairs but may involve:

• Door and window installation
• Flooring renovation
• Cabinet installation or refinishing
• Deck construction and repair

As with other skilled trades, a licensed carpenter has the knowledge and expertise to handle these tasks safely and efficiently.

A handyman can perform basic carpentry work like installing shelves, replacing trim, or fixing minor cosmetic issues. For more extensive carpentry projects or repairs that impact the overall stability of your home, it’s best to leave it to a home improvement specialist.

Appliance and HVAC Maintenance

Handymen can perform simple home maintenance like changing air filters, cleaning out dryer vents, or adjusting refrigerator doors. But a professional is the way to go when it comes to major appliance repairs or issues with heating and air conditioning equipment.

Like plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work is regulated and requires specific knowledge and experience. A licensed HVAC technician has the skills to troubleshoot, repair, and install complex systems safely.

And refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines often come with warranties that require professional appliance repairs to remain valid.

Painting and Touch-Ups

Getting that flawless finish involves more than just a steady hand. Here are some instances when hiring a professional painter is a smart move:

• High or hard-to-reach areas
• Specialized surfaces
• Exterior painting projects

Let a handyman take on small paint jobs like touch-ups or painting a single room. But for more complex painting projects, hire a professional with the right equipment and expertise.

Outdoor Repairs and Maintenance

Outdoor spaces need just as much attention and maintenance as the interior of your home. Professional services can help with exterior repairs, installations, and regular maintenance tasks that require specialized equipment or expertise.

Examples of outdoor tasks for a professional:

• Landscaping: Professional landscapers have the skills and knowledge to design and maintain a beautiful outdoor space while keeping plants healthy.
• Roof repairs: Working on a roof is dangerous and requires proper safety gear. It should be left to licensed roofing contractors with experience.

A handyman is an excellent option for outdoor tasks like:

• Gutter cleaning
• Fence repairs
• Window cleaning
• Deck or patio repairs and maintenance
• Pressure washing

Choose Lee Company for Your Home Maintenance Needs

Are you tired of the stress and hassle that come with home repairs? Whether it’s a quick fix by a handyman or a more complex issue requiring a licensed tradesman, Lee Company is here to help!

Since 1944, we’ve provided reliable, high-quality handyman and professional home services to homeowners across Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Alabama.

Choosing licensed professionals means that repairs of all kinds are done safely and to code. Our Home Maintenance Plan offers regular checks and maintenance to help you avoid major problems and save money in the long run.

We even offer financing options to help qualified homeowners manage repair costs! Contact Lee Company today, and let us take the worry out of your home repairs and upgrades!