Some home repairs seem simple until you’re in the middle of them. Then you realize you’ve opened a can of worms, and the “quick fix” is suddenly a weekend project (or worse). While DIY skills are great to have, certain repairs are tricky, time-consuming, and sometimes downright dangerous to tackle on your own.
Here are the top 5 not-so-easy home repairs that can test even the most determined homeowner’s patience, including one that might have you calling Idaho Falls plumbing before you know it.
1. Fixing a Leaky Bathtub Faucet (Plumbing Trouble)
A slow-dripping bathtub faucet might not seem like a big deal… until you try to fix it. Often, the cause is a worn-out washer, cartridge, or valve deep inside the fixture. But to get to it, you may have to:
- Shut off water to the bathroom
- Remove stubborn handles and trim plates
- Deal with corroded or hard-to-reach parts
If you’ve got hard water, mineral deposits can make parts stick, and one wrong twist can crack a pipe inside the wall. That’s when a “small” leak turns into a major headache.
Why it’s tricky: Plumbing repairs often require specialized tools, an understanding of how the system is built, and sometimes soldering or pipe replacement. If you don’t have experience, calling a plumber will save you time, frustration, and possibly an emergency repair bill.
2. Repairing or Replacing a Roof Section
A missing shingle or two might not seem urgent, but roof repairs can be surprisingly complex. Roofs are layered systems — shingles, underlayment, flashing — and getting them back together correctly requires skill and attention to detail. Not to mention, working at heights comes with safety risks.
Why it’s tricky: If you don’t seal it properly, water can get under the repair, leading to leaks, mold, and structural damage. Plus, you might void your roof’s warranty by attempting a DIY patch.
3. Replacing a Broken Window
You might think you can just pop out the broken glass and put in a new pane. Unfortunately, replacing windows involves measuring with extreme precision, removing old glazing or trim, and ensuring the new glass fits perfectly without drafts.
Why it’s tricky: A wrong measurement can mean the glass doesn’t fit at all. Plus, working with glass can be dangerous without the right safety gear. For insulated or double-pane windows, the replacement process is even more involved.
4. Fixing a Sagging Floor
A floor that’s starting to sag or slope can be a sign of serious structural issues. The cause could be anything from water damage to weakened joists, pest damage, or an uneven foundation.
Why it’s tricky: You can’t just throw some extra wood under it and call it a day. Fixing the problem usually involves lifting the floor slowly over time, reinforcing supports, and addressing the root cause. This is a job for pros — both for safety and to make sure your home’s structure stays sound.
5. Electrical Rewiring or Outlet Replacement
Changing a lightbulb is easy. Replacing an electrical outlet or running new wiring? That’s another story. Electrical work comes with the risk of shocks, fires, and code violations if done incorrectly.
Why it’s tricky: Even if you’ve watched a few how-to videos, electrical systems have nuances that vary from house to house. A seemingly simple job can reveal outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or hidden hazards. In many areas, permits are required, and work must be inspected to pass code.
Don’t DIY These Problems
Some repairs are best left to the experts, not because you can’t learn how to do them, but because the risks, time investment, and potential costs of mistakes are too high.
When it comes to plumbing, electrical work, roofing, and anything that affects your home’s structure, hiring a professional is often the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective choice. They’ve got the tools, training, and experience to get the job done right the first time.
So, before you grab your toolbox and dive in, ask yourself: Is this a repair I can realistically handle, or one that’s going to end with me calling for help anyway? Sometimes, the smartest DIY decision is knowing when not to DIY at all.