People are likely to believe that acquiring a particular skill set is easier than a professional will have them believe. Thus, after watching one episode of home renovations, we’re experts at just about everything from drywall to electrics. Suffice it to say, this is far from the truth.
While most people will successfully renovate certain portions of their apartments on their own, some renovation projects are simply best left to the professionals – plumbing is one of them. It is a delicate business made for licensed and experienced contractors. Still, think you can do it on your own?
Here are just some of the reasons you can’t, and a professional plumber can!
The credentials of a licensed professional
Even though some people would argue that education is not a necessity, this idea holds little ground in the world of renovation. Certified plumbers and electricians require years of experience before ever acquiring a license and potentially starting their own business. During their apprenticeship, plumbers will encounter an abundance of issues that a DIY renovation enthusiast couldn’t even dream of happening.
After all, think about it this way. During the apartment renovation, one to-do item on the list is complete pipe relining, a relatively simple task for a professional plumber but a completely new world for an HGTV enthusiast. Who would you want to complete the job?
The tools of a licensed professional
While possessing credentials is a pivotal argument in favor of hiring a professional plumber, it is by no means the only one. Namely, in addition to a certificate, professional plumbers bring another important thing to the table – the right tools.
Let’s go back to the pipe relining example. Before even beginning the project, a professional plumber will be able to tell you just which type of equipment they require. Moreover, certified professionals will also have their ears to the ground and know of any new technological developments in plumbing. They’ll thus be equipped to suggest the best, easiest, and most worthwhile solution to their clients.
The cost of a licensed professional
When deciding to do a DIY renovation project, most people will list finances as an important reason behind their decision. At first, this argument seems logical – you avoid a contractor fee since you are the contractor. However, there’s a bit more to this argument than meets the eye.
Unlike professional plumbers, inexperienced individuals fail to see the entire picture. For instance, while you may see a simple drain blockage, a professional plumber will see an entire system in need of an upgrade. If you opt to fix only one drain, other (more expensive) problems will just follow further down the road. Conversely, if a licensed plumber were to look, they’ll assess the entire situation and help you avoid expensive plumbing disasters.
The assurance of a licensed professional
Most DIY renovators will acquire their skills through either renovation channels or passionate DIY vloggers. However, no matter how effortlessly you complete a renovation project, you’ll always have that little voice in the back of your mind wondering – did I skip a step?
Therein lies the difference. Experienced professionals won’t have this voice keeping them up at night. They’ll replace the infamous pipe railing just as any of us would ride a bike, almost like it’s muscle memory. As they’re confident in the quality of their work, their customers will be as well. In other words, no clogged drains will keep you up at night.
The proximity of a licensed professional
Almost all residential areas will have their local certified plumber. Even though some people dread changing their contractors, it’s important to establish contact with a new set of professionals after moving into a new city block or apartment.
Thus, before settling in, contact the local plumber to come and assess the situation. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with your plumbing system and will help you build a trusting relationship, one strong enough to have them on speed dial for any potential plumbing emergency.
This article set out to prove one point and that is that it’s sometimes better to leave the renovations to the professionals. While this should not discourage any DIY enthusiast from restoring a century-old trunk, it should help you recognize when you’re in over your head and it’s time to call in the experts.
