DIY DON’TS!

Here are the at-home jobs you should always get a tradie to do

One in five homeowners admit to tackling a DIY project that required the work of a qualified tradie to fix. The cost? Aussies are wasting up to $3.53 billion, according to a survey commissioned by hipages (homeimprovementpages.com.au). “A lack of knowledge and training can result in a reno going awry, leading to costly repairs,” says chief customer officer Stuart Tucker (inset). Here are the jobs to leave to the experts...

Electrical work

Electrical tasks should never be attempted without the help of a properly licensed electrician due to the high risks associated if you DIY. “In fact, in some states you’re required to use a licensed tradie even to change your light bulbs,” Stuart explains.

Plumbing

Although Alth h simple i jobs such as unclogging drains or fixing a leaky tap could be tackled by an amateur, larger repairs or installations should only be attempted by a professional. “When plumbing isn’t installed correctly, it can damage the water main, create blockages and result in longer-term effects of moisture damage and mould,” says Stuart.

Home extensions & renovations

Stuart says TV renovation shows have given homeowners a false perception of the work involved in DIY jobs, without highlighting the potential for costly mistakes. “Registered builders are well-versed with building processes, and understand how to keep a project on schedule with quality control in check, while maintaining safety standards,” he says.