Home Repair refers to the maintenance, modification, or improvement of a dwelling. Regular maintenance on your home is important so that small problems don’t turn into big ones.
However, some home repairs are better left to professionals. These include plumbing, electrical work, structural alterations, and roofing. Luckily, Thumbtack can help with these jobs! Contact Professional Home Repair now!
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As a barrier that protects everything inside from falling rain, winter snow, and flying and crawling insects, the roof is one of the most important parts of any home or building. A damaged roof can cause leaks, mold and mildew, higher heating and cooling bills, and problems with resale value. Repair or replacement is often a cost-driven decision, but a nick here and a torn shingle there only sometimes necessitates an entire roof replacement.
Surface repairs and maintenance can include patching cracks, repairing shingles, replacing flashing (the thin metal pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around chimneys and skylights), and cleaning gutters and downspouts. Structural changes like replacing roof vents, installing a new skylight, or changing the pitch of a roof may require more extensive work, and are usually a permit-requiring job in NYC.
If you’re planning a large roofing project, it’s best to hire a professional and have a full inspection done beforehand. If you live in a historic or Landmark district, you’ll likely need to get permits from the Department of Buildings for structural changes, and will probably need an architect-designed plan. Make sure your contractor has a permit and the appropriate insurance coverage.
Plumbing
The plumbing is one of the most crucial parts of a house. It is responsible for supplying fresh water and disposing of waste products, but it can also be the source of problems such as clogged drains or flooding. Many people call a plumber when they encounter a plumbing issue, but they may not realize that these problems can be remedied DIY. Whether you have a clogged drain or a leaky pipe, a little research and some basic tools can help you fix these issues yourself.
Home repair is the process of fixing, repairing, replacing, altering, converting or improving the structure and fixtures of a home. It can be a complex process that includes assessing the needs of the property and finding solutions that are cost-effective. Some of the most common repairs include roofing, flooring, and plumbing. However, it is important to keep in mind that some home improvement projects require a permit.
A licensed plumber is trained to install, repair and maintain a variety of plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. They are experts in analyzing and troubleshooting problems such as leaking pipes, clogged drains, and low water pressure. They can also make adjustments to hot and cold water distribution systems.
Leaking pipes can lead to major damage in a short time, so it is important to take prompt action. The first step in any plumbing repair is to shut off the water supply valve. After that, you can start removing the damaged section of the pipe with a saw or cut-off tool.
Once the old section of the pipe is removed, the plumber can replace it with a new one. The plumber will also check the water pressure and flow rate to ensure that the system is working properly. It is essential to use a repair product that is compatible with the pipe material and size.
Some home repairs are routine maintenance, such as replacing air filters, sharpening knives or utensils, and vacuuming refrigerator coils. Other repairs are more involved and require the expertise of a professional, such as replacing a water treatment component or cleaning creosote from chimney flues.
Electrical
Home repair shows like “Fixer Upper” and “Property Brothers” make fixing up old, dilapidated homes look glamorous, but completing these repairs on your own isn’t without its challenges. While many of these home repairs require a professional, there are some electrical issues that can be repaired by a DIYer.
The breaker box is where the main power line from the street connects to your home’s internal network of wires. The circuit breakers or fuses inside the panel are designed to trip and cut off electricity when the system becomes overloaded, protecting your appliances from damage or fires. Understanding how to safely reset a tripped breaker is an important skill for any homeowner.
Each circuit in your house is designed to supply electricity to specific areas of the home or types of appliances. If you notice the breaker constantly tripping, you may have too many devices on one circuit or a problem with the breaker itself. If a breaker emits a burnt plastic smell or rattles when moved, it is probably time to replace it.
Outlets can also become faulty over time due to wear and tear, internal problems or loose connections. Typically, this can be corrected by turning off the breaker and then unplugging all the equipment connected to that outlet. Once all the outlets are unplugged, you can start re-plug them and test them for proper function. If an outlet is still faulty, the wiring for that circuit needs to be checked and fixed.
A properly functioning electrical system is essential for the safety of your family, and regular inspections are a key component of home maintenance. Electrical issues that go unrepaired can lead to costly damages and dangerous situations, such as a faulty outlet or faulty wiring.
The right tools are essential for conducting safe and effective electrical repairs. A good tool set should include screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers and cutters that are specifically designed for electrical work with insulated handles to reduce the risk of shock. A non-contact voltage tester is also a vital tool for determining if there are live wires in your walls or ceiling.
Foundation
Probably nothing is more important to your home’s overall health and stability than its foundation. It’s the only thing that keeps it from shifting, sinking or buckling over time and changing your home’s layout and appearance. That’s why it is so important to watch out for signs of foundation problems, such as sagging floors and walls, bowed or cracked walls, and doors and windows that don’t close properly.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to get them checked out by a professional right away. A skilled inspector will be able to tell you what’s causing the problem, recommend a repair solution and give you a foundation repair cost estimate.
One method of raising and stabilizing a house’s foundation is to install support piers under the footings around the perimeter. These hydraulic piers lift the foundation to a more stable level. It’s usually a more permanent solution than foam jacking, but it can still be affected by soil changes over time.
Other methods of raising and stabilizing a house’s basement or foundation include underpinning. This is done by digging tunnels under the foundation to install hydraulic piers underneath the entire foundation. This is a more expensive solution, but it’s generally considered a more permanent solution to foundation sinking and sagging.
Another way of raising and stabilizing a home’s foundation is to use wall anchors. These are similar to large bolts and consist of metal plates in your yard (installed by excavating) and steel rods buried horizontally and connected to the foundation wall through connectors. The anchors are then gradually tightened to stabilize and straighten the wall. This process can be costly, but it is often less invasive than excavation and rebuilding the foundation.
If you choose to go with one of these repairs, be sure to ask about a warranty. A reputable contractor should offer a written warranty that covers the work they do and any materials they use. They should also have the necessary licensing and insurance. Lastly, make sure the company has the proper equipment to complete the job safely and efficiently.