As a new homeowner, one of the first decisions you will face when something needs fixing is whether to tackle it yourself or call in a professional. Getting this decision right can save you money when a job is genuinely straightforward, and protect you from costly mistakes or even legal trouble when a job requires qualified expertise. Here is a practical guide to help you decide.
Jobs You Can Safely Do Yourself
Many common home maintenance and improvement tasks are perfectly suitable for a competent beginner with the right tools and a bit of patience. Painting and decorating is the most obvious starting point. Whether you are freshening up walls with emulsion or giving woodwork a coat of gloss, painting is forgiving and easy to redo if you make a mistake. Preparing surfaces properly by filling holes, sanding, and using primer will make the biggest difference to the finished result.
Basic tiling is another skill worth learning. Splashbacks behind kitchen worktops or simple wall tiles in a bathroom are well within reach of a DIY beginner. Modern tile adhesive and pre-mixed grout make the process much simpler than it used to be. Just take your time with measuring and cutting, and hire a tile cutter from a tool hire shop rather than trying to snap tiles by hand.
Putting up shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, replacing door handles, fitting curtain poles, and fixing dripping taps are all jobs that can be done with basic hand tools and a few online tutorials. Minor plumbing tasks such as replacing a toilet seat, changing a tap washer, or unblocking a sink are also straightforward.
When You Must Call a Professional
Some jobs are not just difficult but legally require a qualified professional. Gas work is the most important example. It is illegal under UK law for anyone who is not on the Gas Safe Register to carry out work on gas appliances, pipework, or flues. This includes boiler installation, repair, and servicing, as well as fitting or moving gas cookers and fires. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, and the safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and explosions, are genuinely life-threatening.
Major electrical work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. This means that certain types of electrical work, such as installing a new circuit, adding sockets in a kitchen or bathroom, or rewiring a property, must either be carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify the work, or be inspected and signed off by your local building control. Minor electrical jobs like changing a light fitting or replacing a socket faceplate do not require certification, but if you are unsure, it is always safer to ask an electrician.
Structural work, such as removing or altering load-bearing walls, underpinning foundations, or installing steel beams, requires a structural engineer to assess and design the work, and a qualified builder to carry it out. Getting this wrong can compromise the stability of your entire home and will cause serious problems when you come to sell.
Roof Work and Working at Height
Roof repairs should almost always be left to a professional roofer. Working at height is one of the most common causes of serious injury in the home, and roof tiles can be fragile and slippery. A professional roofer will have the correct scaffolding, harnesses, and insurance. Even cleaning gutters on a two-storey house is safer with proper equipment or by hiring a professional with the right ladders and training.
Asbestos: Do Not Disturb
If your home was built or renovated before the year 2000, it may contain asbestos in areas such as textured ceiling coatings like Artex, floor tiles, pipe insulation, or cement sheeting. Asbestos is not dangerous when left undisturbed and in good condition, but cutting, drilling, or sanding it releases microscopic fibres that cause serious lung diseases. If you suspect a material contains asbestos, stop work immediately and have it tested by an accredited laboratory. Removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor.
Finding Reliable Tradespeople
When you do need a professional, finding a trustworthy one can feel daunting. Platforms such as Checkatrade, TrustATrader, and MyBuilder allow you to search for local tradespeople and read verified reviews from previous customers. Always obtain at least three written quotes for any significant job, and ask to see proof of relevant qualifications and insurance. For gas work, check the engineer's Gas Safe ID card and verify their registration number online. For electrical work, look for NICEIC or NAPIT certification.
Personal recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours are often the most reliable way to find good tradespeople. If someone has done a great job on a neighbour's kitchen or bathroom, there is a good chance they will do the same for you. Be wary of tradespeople who demand large upfront payments, pressure you to make quick decisions, or are unwilling to provide written quotes and receipts.