We all want to save money, but overconfidence can end up costing more — a lot more — in the long run. "Between knowledgeable neighbors and YouTube videos, there's no lack of help these days in figuring out how to tackle simple repairs," says Richard Reina, product training director at TOOLSiD.com. "However, a homeowner can get into trouble if they try to take on too much. You need to be honest with yourself regarding your own abilities."
Basher warns homeowners against tackling plumbing and electrical problems in particular. "The worst mistakes DIYers can make often happen when they try to fix things under flooring and behind walls. A regular homeowner can not tell if wires are faulty, if pipes are placed improperly, or if something is up to code. This means that not only do these homeowners run the risk of fires and flooding, but also fines from the city they live in. On top of that, all of these problems can cost several thousand dollars to fix."
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