- Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in homes. Regular home maintenance is crucial to prevent falls.
- Professionals should be hired for larger projects such as roof replacements, plumbing issues, and electrical repairs to ensure safety and structural integrity.
- An old or damaged roof can cause significant water damage and risk injury or death. Plumbing problems can escalate and affect the entire system.
- Attempting to fix faulty wiring or electrical systems can result in severe injury or death. Electrical repairs should be left to certified electricians.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring your home is safe and secure for yourself and your loved ones. While some tasks and maintenance may require the expertise of professionals, there are many chores and maintenance that homeowners can and should learn.
According to data from the National Safety Council, the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in homes is falling. Falls account for almost 32,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. Many of these falls occur due to hazards such as cluttered stairways or slippery floors, which can be easily prevented with regular home maintenance.
You can take care of those minor maintenance issues yourself by ensuring there’s no clutter in stairwells and checking for slippery floors or loose rugs. You should also provide proper lighting and grip bars are installed near stairs and other necessary areas.
However, it is best to leave them to the professionals for larger projects. Here are a few of them.
Roof Replacement
One of the most critical parts of your home that you should always pay attention to is the roof. A well-maintained roof not only keeps you and your loved ones safe from external elements such as wind, rain, and snow but also protects the structural integrity of your home. As such, it is essential to have a roof in good condition and replace an outdated one.
One of the reasons you should consider replacing your roof is that an old or damaged roof can pose a significant danger to your household. A roof that is not in good condition is more likely to leak, which can cause substantial water damage to your home’s interior, leading to costly repairs. Moreover, an old roof is at risk of collapsing or blowing off during severe storms, posing a significant risk of injury or even death to you, your family, and your property.
You can find a professional asphalt shingle roofing contractor to help you get a new roof that is up to code, reliable, and safe. Working with a professional will ensure your safety as well as the structural integrity of your home.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues can be tricky and complicated, especially for homeowners who lack the skills and experience necessary to fix them. While attempting to repair a clogged sink or leaky faucet on your own may be tempting, it is often best to call a licensed plumber for help.
There are several reasons why plumbing problems can be challenging to deal with. For starters, pipes and drainage systems are often hidden behind walls, ceilings, and floors, making them difficult to access. This can make it hard to identify the exact location of the problem, let alone fix it.
Another challenge is that plumbing systems are complex and interconnected. A minor issue in one part of the system can quickly escalate to affect the entire network. Take, for example, a clogged drain. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience initially, it can soon lead to backups and burst pipes if left unchecked.
Electrical Repairs
Electrical repairs can be hazardous and should be left to trained and certified electricians. Attempting to fix faulty wiring or electrical systems on your own can result in severe injury or even death. Understanding the risks associated with electrical repairs and knowing when to call in a professional is crucial.
Here are a few examples of electrical tasks that are best left to experts:
Circuit Breaker Replacement
Circuit breakers are designed to cut off power in case of a power surge or short circuit, preventing electrical fires and other hazards. However, when these breakers fail or become damaged, they can risk your home and family. Replacing a circuit breaker requires experience and expertise, as working with live electricity can be extremely dangerous.
Faulty Wiring Repairs
Faulty wiring is a common cause of electrical fires, and it can be challenging to identify the source of the problem. While repairing minor wiring issues, such as loose connections or frayed wires, maybe within the realm of possibility for some homeowners, more complex issues should be left to a professional.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
An outdated or undersized electrical panel can cause your home’s electrical system to overload, leading to power outages, fires, and other dangers. Upgrading your electrical panel requires a thorough understanding of your home’s electrical needs and skillful installation to ensure the safety of your family and property.
Electrical System Inspections
Regular inspections of your home’s electrical system are crucial to identifying potential hazards before they become emergencies. However, these inspections require specialized equipment and training to detect issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Hiring a professional electrician to perform routine checks can help prevent electrical hazards and ensure the safety of your home and family.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners can and should do many maintenance tasks to keep their homes safe. However, it is essential to understand which jobs require the expertise of professionals to ensure the safety and security of your home and loved ones. By learning when to call in a professional, you can help protect your family from potential dangers and ensure that your home is properly maintained for years to come.
