Everyone turns to DIY from time to time. The problem is that many DIYers overestimate their abilities, which can lead to serious property damage and personal injury. Getting older is not all beer and skittles – as much as we don’t like to admit it, our agility and dexterity drops, we can struggle with balance, and bone density decreases as well, which can be the perfect recipe for disaster.
In an ABC report, Doctor Rebekah Young, RBWH trauma surgery fellow, recommends that anyone over 60 should ask for help if there’s a ladder involved, with abdominal and chest injuries a common outcome for falls from height.
If you know an orthopaedic surgeon, you know they’re being kept in a job by two things: trampolines (childhood accidents) and roofs (blokes being blokes). Statistics show that 43% of all Australian hospital admissions are due to falls.
DIY Yes: What You Can Safely Handle
- Painting, shelving, and small patch jobs
- Assembling flat-pack furniture
- Changing a leaky washer
- Changing hardware
- Installing grab rails and other mobility safety support solutions
DIY No: What You Should Leave to the Professionals
Electrical Work or Plumbing
Electrical and plumbing should always be left to the appropriate licensed professional. New South Wales forbids DIY plumbing, so you’re not allowed to move or install pipes, work on sewerage systems, install outlets, replace or install wired smoke alarms, or tackle gasfitting.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning might seem simple, but gutters are slippery due to moss growth, making them a danger. Many older gutters carry the risk of electrocution due to concealed wiring, so using a professional service to handle the job is the safest option. Have I mentioned the risk of falls? Falling from a ladder can be life altering – just ask Ian “Molly” Meldrum.
Hot Water System Repairs on the Rooftop
This task is best left to roof plumbers because not only is working at height a risky endeavour, but these systems often feature both plumbing and electrical connections. They’re also incredibly heavy and located in the most hazardous area of your home, so it’s wiser to leave it to the experts
Roof Inspections and Roof Repairs
Regular roof inspections are a solid part of a great preventative maintenance schedule, but these should be carried out by licensed professionals. In addition to the risk of falling and injuring yourself, the average person doesn’t have the safety equipment or training to carry out these inspections properly. Older roofs, especially, can be brittle, and one wrong step can lead to serious injuries.
Heavy Lifting
You may be able to successfully lift a heavy item but carrying it or moving it could cause serious injuries that alter your enjoyment of life. If you need to move furniture, call a friend or use a professional service.
Top 3 Reasons to Call the Expects
Avoid Hidden Damage
By tackling a task yourself, you could unknowingly cause additional damage elsewhere that leads to higher repair costs.
Avert a Voided Warranty
Most roofing materials and goods have warranties that hinge on professional installation and maintenance, so always use a licensed professional to avoid voiding your warranty.
Prevent Personal Injury
Nobody wants to cause further damage or cost themselves money, but the risk of personal injury should be enough of a reason to call the professionals. In addition to chest and abdominal injuries, hip fractures can have life-altering outcomes.
When you’re dealing with high-stakes home maintenance projects, it’s always best to enlist the professionals. Not only are they fully insured, licensed, and trained to handle any challenge, but they have the safety equipment to get the job done safely and correctly. A fall at this stage in life can result in a long-term disability and a loss of independence.
Learn More Here about how a plumbing professional can help you take care of home maintenance.
