Every home requires regular maintenance and repairs. There are some things you can do yourself. Other work, such as those listed below, must be performed by a licensed contractor. When I say “licensed contractor,” I mean a contractor licensed by the Arizona Registry of Contractors (AZ ROC). These contractors are also covered by warranties and insurance.
Your home is one of the most expensive items you own, and a home project done incorrectly can cost you anywhere from thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Non-DIY projects
Modification of load-bearing walls
This project is definitely not DIY in any way.
You never know what's on the other side of the drywall. Load-bearing walls provide structural support for the weight loads on the wall and cannot be removed unless a new structure is installed.
HVAC system replacement
Removal and installation of HVAC systems is highly technical and complex. Installers must have electrical, plumbing, welding, and industry-specific computer programming skills. You also need experience working with toxic gases and understanding pressure, temperature, air flow, and specialized equipment.
An experienced HVAC contractor will ensure you get a unit that's the right size for your home and fits your ductwork and comfort needs.
roofing material
The most important thing here is safety. There are a lot of unknowns on the roof, including rotten beams and shingles that may have mold growing on them and holes that can cause serious injuries. Experienced professional roofers know how to select the right products, walk properly on the roof, spot hazards, and operate power tools while maintaining a delicate balance.
The construction work itself requires skill and experience to replace the roof and repair damage. An improperly installed roof looks unsightly and can cause damage to other parts of your home, which can reduce your home's value and potential resale.
Build your own pool
Many people think that they can save a lot of money by building their own pool. While it may save you some money, the headache and safety risks are usually not worth it. Subcontractors typically receive priority work from general contractors with whom they have strong relationships. That puts you and your group at the bottom of the to-do list.
There are many safety issues such as drowning protection, leak detection, electrical malfunctions, and subsidence that should be addressed by a professional.
Other reasons why these are not DIY projects
These projects require city permits to ensure everything is checked and meets safety standards.
Be sure to check with the city about any projects you may be working on. They will tell you what needs to be allowed and what is needed to meet the inspection requirements.
Attempting to tackle these projects yourself may void the manufacturer's warranty. Refunds are not available if the product is defective.
If someone is injured while working on a DIY project, it will be reported to the home insurance company, creating legal and financial issues for everyone involved.
Your insurance company may cancel your policy if you do DIY installations or repairs that could affect the structure of your home. If this happens, you may not be able to get insurance, and it may be very difficult to find another company that will insure you later.
Even if you purchase the right materials and research how to do the project, these jobs are best left to the professionals. One mistake can turn into a disaster, requiring professional correction. Then pay the DIY and professional fees.
hire a contractor
Now that you know you need to hire a contractor to do these tasks, it's time to find one.
Interview multiple contractors. Only choose contractors who are licensed and affiliated with the Arizona Contractor Registry (I can't stress this enough). Contracting without a license is illegal in Arizona. It is also illegal for others to contract under another company's license, or for employees of a licensed company to use their employer's license to do side work.
Be careful with coupons
When you open a coupon circular or envelope mailed to your home, you'll find a ton of ads for things like duct cleaning, roofing, and HVAC inspections. If the special sounds too good to be true, it is.
scam
For example, duct cleaning is a common scam. Just because Arizona is dusty doesn't mean you need to have your ducts cleaned every year. When the time comes to clean it, you should hire a professional company that is a certified air conditioning specialist. Poor “cleaning” could cost you more in purchasing a new girlfriend's HVAC system. Proper cleaning by a professional will last him 7-10 years.
save it locally
Over the past few years, a large portion of local HVAC and plumbing contractors have been acquired by state-owned private equity firms. These large companies have designed their operations around customer monetization. Their daily operations keep in mind his one main goal: sales and profits. When calling a contractor, regardless of industry, ask these questions:
• Are technicians paid commission or “performance-based” salaries?
• Is the owner in the office every day?
• Do you have other locations or affiliates, or are you based in Arizona? JN
For more information, visit RosieOnTheHouse.com and select “Rosie's Consumer Guide to Choosing a Contractor.” Rosie Romero Jr. is the co-owner of the Arizona home improvement radio show Rosie on the House.