Jobs you should always call a tradesperson for

Home renovations and jobs for which you should hire a tradesperson

Electrical work

Working with electricity is a dangerous and potentially deadly business, Anderson warns.

"With plumbing work, you can see water, so if it spurts out that’s the worst of it, whereas with electricity, you can’t see it or smell it, and if you feel it, then that might be the last thing you feel," he says.

Electrical work around the home is not only dangerous to do yourself, but also illegal. Electrical jobs you should never attempt yourself include:

• changing power-points
  
• installing downlights
  
• replacing a smart meter
  
• attempting to rewire your home.
  

Anything to do with gas

When it comes to gas, it’s never a question of DIY. Even a small mistake can put you, your family and your building at risk of a fire, explosion or undetectable leak. A licenced plumber is required to install and repair any gas appliances, including:

• fireplaces
  
• ducted heating
  
• water heater
  
• ovens and cooktops
  

Even something as simple as attempting to connect your home's gas supply to the outside barbeque could end badly, so make sure you call a certified tradesperson if you're installing an outdoor kitchen, trying to connect gas, or have a gas issue.

Major plumbing work

There’s a big difference between fixing a leaky tap and installing a brand new bathtub. Small plumbing jobs like identifying a leak or unclogging a dishwasher can be done yourself but major jobs should always be conducted by a qualified plumber. 

"Plumbing is a licensed trade. Depending on the plumbing works you’re doing, it can be very unsafe," Anderson says. 

If you're not confident in your abilities, he also recommends you leave even small plumbing jobs such as changing a washer to a tradesperson as well.

"Some plumbing work that looks really good and appears to be working really well – it's not for years that you find out it’s been causing damage to the property," he says.

Plumbing jobs you should hire a tradesperson for include: 

• clogged pipes that have not responded to off-the-shelf drain-clearing products
  
• replacing or rerouting pipes
  
• installing plumbing fixtures (such as showers, baths, sinks and toilets)
• any job that involves your water mains or sewer pipes.

Roof repairs

It can be tempting to get up on the roof and repair tiles yourself but it’s a job best left to the professionals. Aside from the fact that a botched job leaves your home open to water damage and pests, working on a roof is inherently dangerous.

"Most plumbing companies, if they work safely, will have two people on any roofing job, and there will be safety equipment that will prevent them from falling off the roof," says Anderson. "Even gutter cleaning these days, there are so many companies that are doing it with equipment that allows them to do it from the ground for safety purposes."

Roof slopes are often steeper and more slippery than they appear, and households usually lack proper safety equipment.

If you’re doing any job around the house that requires a ladder, be familiar with how to use the ladder safely. If in doubt, call a tradesperson who is qualified in roofing repairs.  

Whitegoods and other appliances

If you find your fridge is leaking or your split system smoking, turn the appliance off at the wall and call the manufacturer (if it’s still under warranty) or a tradesperson. By trying to fix it yourself, you could not only void the warranty but you may impact your home's resale value (if it’s an inbuilt feature). Some things you can do yourself, but home emergencies require a professional.

Removing walls

Whether you're renovating your home to make it more open-plan or updating your kitchen or bathroom layout, knocking down walls is a serious business. A wall may be load-bearing without you realising, or might have wires and utilities running through it.

You can use a stud detector to check for electrical wires behind the wall - but it's still advisable to call an electrician before demolishing a wall.

In Victoria, removing a load-bearing wall requires a building permit and should be undertaken by a licensed builder.

The Victorian Building Authority advises Victorians who are considering building work on their property to ask their local council if they need a building permit or planning permit. 

Repairing broken glass 

Whether it’s a shower screen or window, glass is hazardous and expensive. A small chip may be something you can tackle with epoxy and a glass adhesive, but for anything larger you'll need to call an experienced glazier to do the job. 

Building a deck 

Building a structure such as a veranda or a deck should be left to a carpenter or builder. The danger of doing it incorrectly may increase the risk of physical injury to yourself or your family. There are also legal requirements for constructing a deck and a building permit must be sought from the Victorian Building Authority to ensure the structure is up to standard.  

Preventative maintenance is better than a cure 

While many tasks around the home are best left to tradespeople, homeowners can still be proactive and help minimise repair costs through regular maintenance.

There are a number of household systems and features for which regular servicing is recommended. Not only does this reduce the chance of them breaking down (which can cost more in the future than regular preventative maintenance), it also makes sure your home is running as efficiently as possible.

Finding the right tradesperson for the right job can feel like a difficult ask, especially when dealing with a treasured asset such as the family home. The best way to ensure you’re getting a tradesperson who is qualified, trustworthy and fairly priced is to do your research and ask the right questions – if they’re reliable then they won’t mind being asked.