Putting in an offer on a house with defects is a surefire way to gain the upper hand in negotiations. Imperfections, be they structural or cosmetic, make effective bargaining chips to lower the price, allowing you to put down less money and take out a smaller loan.
DIYing the problems you find can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, only some home fixes are worthwhile for do-it-yourselfers. Taking on projects you shouldn’t attempt can hurt you financially in several ways. Here are notable repair jobs that require professionals.
Amateur roof work is ill-advised. It usually involves working at height on a sloping surface while being exposed to the elements. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires roofing companies to invest in personal fall protection systems to safeguard workers on the edges of roof sections at least 4 feet above a lower level and in employee training. Even credentialed roofers wearing proper equipment are not immune to the job’s dangers.
Think twice before climbing to seal anything, regardless of the weather, as gravity can work against you in sunny, overcast, rainy, windy or snowy conditions. One misstep can be an immediate trip to the emergency room. The medical costs of recovering from a fall can be significant. If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you will, on average, have to pay the first $2,127 of your medical bills in Utah before your coverage kicks in.
Finishing the job unscathed doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. You may unknowingly make a mistake that could lead to water damage. This error may void any roofing warranty you inherit from the previous owner or be grounds for denial of your homeowners insurance claim if you forget to disclose your DIY project or lie to the adjuster about doing the job and get caught.
Fixing the garage door comes with pitfalls. This home feature has springs and cables that store tremendous energy. They can suddenly and violently snap when mishandled or broken, causing severe injuries or worse.
Moreover, the door itself can be hundreds of pounds. It can drop without warning midrepair, crushing anyone under it. Even if the door remains stable, working the ladder is hazardous. Falling from a height of several feet on a hard floor can break your bones, which may affect your ability to work and live independently.
Homeowners insurance rarely covers wear and tear, so you have to shoulder repair costs out of pocket. However, policies generally pay for accidental and intentional damage, such as backing into your garage door. You don’t even have to use your coverage when a neighbor’s or friend’s car hits your door. Their auto insurance should cover the damage, as long as the repair cost is within the policy’s limit.
According to Today’s Homeowner, most do-it-yourselfers in Utah are interested in learning to fix a broken toilet — a practical skill that can save hundreds of dollars. However, you shouldn’t attempt to be self-sufficient in the face of sewage backup.
This emergency plumbing problem is a serious health hazard. Sewage contains pathogens, which can cause infections and skin irritation. Sustaining respiratory issues is common after inhaling the gas emanating from wastewater.
Some homes are more susceptible to sewage backups, such as when wastewater that should move upstream rolls down the pipes of lower-floor units in multifamily buildings. Even if you get used to it, the element of surprise can cause panic. If you touch contaminated water with bare skin, your risk of developing potentially fatal diseases from harmful bacteria and viruses increases. After discovering wastewater inside your house, stop using water and call a qualified plumber immediately.
DIY projects are fulfilling only when you know your limits. Take contractor fees into account when comparing listed properties to buy an affordable house and budget for home repairs you should never attempt.
Your first winter as a homeowner in Utah can feel like a crash course in home maintenance. The cold weather can result in unique challenges. Skipping basic prep can lead to repairs that cost far more than a few hours of prevention.
A property gate can feel like a simple boundary, but it often becomes the first real security decision on a site. The choice affects daily routines, visitors, deliveries, and the way the property looks from the street.
The bathroom vanity often gets overlooked in apartment styling, yet it's one of the most visible surfaces you interact with daily. Getting this space right can transform your entire bathroom from cluttered chaos into a calming retreat.
Owning a home is often the biggest financial commitment people make. While market conditions and location matter, one factor homeowners can control is how well they maintain their property. Small, consistent upkeep doesn’t just keep a home comfortable to live in, it protects long-term value and makes future sales smoother.
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