5 Home Construction Tasks You May Need a Contractor For

Many new homeowners think about tackling home improvement projects by themselves. While some tasks, such as painting a room or replacing cabinet hardware, might be perfect for a weekend DIY project, there are specific construction jobs that are just too much to do alone.

Whether it's due to the complexity, safety concerns, or the need for specialized tools, these five home construction tasks are jobs you may need a contractor for.

1. Foundation Work and Repairs

The foundation is a critical part of your home that holds the entire structure and ensures stability. Errors in foundation work can lead to significant structural issues down the road.

This type of work often involves the use of heavy equipment, such as excavators and hydraulic tools, which are not accessible to the average homeowner. Contractors also have the expertise necessary to recognize underground issues, such as soil instability or drainage problems.

2. Roof Installation or Replacement

While patching a few shingles might be manageable for you, full roof installation or replacement is best left to the pros. Roof work typically involves climbing ladders and working at dangerous heights. Professionals are trained and equipped to work safely under these conditions. A contractor will ensure that your roof is installed correctly to maximize its lifespan, providing you with peace of mind that your investment is protected.

3. Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a highly effective method for improving a home's energy efficiency. This material creates an airtight seal by expanding upon application, reducing air leaks, and helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

The growth and future of the spray foam industry are largely dependent on the skills and knowledge of professionals. Contractors possess the necessary expertise and equipment to correctly apply the foam, avoiding common issues such as uneven application or underperformance.

4. Electrical System Upgrades

Electrical systems are intricate and hazardous to work on without proper training. Whether it’s rewiring your home or upgrading your breaker panel, this is a task where hiring a licensed electrician is always recommended.

Attempting electrical work without professional knowledge can result in electrical shocks, fires, or injuries. Contractors understand local electrical codes and ensure the job is safe and up to standard.

5. Structural Changes

Structural changes during a remodel can significantly transform a space but also come with inherent complexities. Many modifications require detailed planning, permits, and expert knowledge to ensure the integrity of the building is not compromised.

Structural projects may include reinforcing load-bearing walls, modifying support beams, or adjusting plumbing systems to accommodate the new layout. Engaging a licensed contractor is essential for implementing these changes safely and in compliance with local building codes.

With any home improvement project, you want the best possible outcome with minimal risk or hassle. A professional contractor not only gets the job done right but also saves you from the stress and strain of doing it yourself. These five home construction tasks you may need a contractor for highlight the importance of outsourcing challenging or dangerous work.

Home Maintenance Tasks You Cannot Forget About

Home maintenance is often the ire of every homeowner, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you can neglect. There’s the standard home maintenance that you should do regularly, like mowing the lawn and vacuuming carpets, but there are many other maintenance tasks that are infrequent, meaning they’re also easier to neglect. You cannot forget about these home maintenance tasks because putting them off until the next year or the year after will soon leave your home in disrepair.

Dryer Vent Duct Cleaning

Almost everyone knows they need to clean out their lint trap when they use the dryer, but they may not realize that this isn’t all the lint building up from every use. The dryer also has a vent duct, and so much use over time creates a lot of lint that can hide for years, slowly but surely creating problems. If you want to keep your home clean, you shouldn’t let it get to this point. You should clean your dryer vent every six months or so. Leaving the lint to build up will extend your drying times, make your house and clothes smell weird, and, worst of all, create a fire risk.

Check on Your Flag

If your home has a flag outside on your front porch or in your yard, you will need to do some maintenance. It may be a strong symbol of your country, but over time, wear and tear will turn your normally pristine flag into something almost unrecognizable. You don’t need to check on or replace your flag every day or week, but how often should you replace your American flag??

Depending on the area you live in and the weather you experience, your outdoor flag may deteriorate differently than others, so there’s no standard answer. Generally, keep an eye on your flag and its quality so that you can replace it when needed. You’ll need to replace some flags every 90 days, but others will last six months to a year if you treat them right.

Inspect for Pests

Regular pest inspections should be a normal part of your routine maintenance schedule, but every few months or so, you should do a more in-depth inspection. A pest infestation could start from nothing, so regular inspections are important. You could have ants or rodents hiding during your initial inspection, and it’s only as the infestation worsens that you can start to notice signs of their presence. Some signs to keep an eye out for are:

• Pest droppings

• Foul odors

• Chewed fixtures

• Holes in walls

If you notice these signs, it’s time to get to work. There are some at-home pest solutions that you can implement yourself to eradicate the issue, but you can also consult with professionals to ensure that your home is pest-free going forward.

If you forget about these home maintenance tasks, you’ll accidentally put them off to the point where you wake up one day and find your home laden with falling-apart fixtures and broken appliances. Thankfully, you don’t have to neglect these tasks. Taking care of maintenance now isn’t fun, but letting it worsen will create more headaches and cost more money. Roll up your sleeves and take care of your home now before it’s too late.