First things first: BIG shoutout to all the DIYers out there! To DIY, you have to commit to being a forever learner, and that’s a significant undertaking. But even if you’re all in when it comes to doing it all on your own, there are still some projects that are better left to a trained professional. Here’s a quick rundown of the projects that are a-okay to handle yourself and those that are better suited for someone with a little more experience under their belt.

The Best Projects to DIY
Painting (Interior). Whether picking a new color or applying a fresh coat, the nice thing about painting is that nearly anyone can do it. The main challenge here is patience—you’ll need to invest time up front moving furniture, putting down drop cloths, and taping off trim before your roller touches a wall. 

Updating Fixtures. New fixtures, such as door handles, faucets, and cabinet hardware, are an inexpensive way to make a new house feel like home that much quicker, and luckily, installation is beginner-friendly. Just remember to practice basic ladder safety when accessing any hard-to-reach fixtures.

Pressure Washing. Pressure washing can give a deck or driveway an instant refresh, and it’s easy enough to DIY. Just remember to test out a small area first—that water stream is more powerful than you might think, and you don’t want to cause lasting damage. 

The Best Projects for the Pros
Trimming Trees. It can be tough to predict where a branch might land once it’s trimmed, plus most average households won’t have the equipment necessary to trim trees safely. Stick to pruning bushes, and call in an arborist.

Building a Deck. When deck-building goes wrong, it often goes really wrong. Even if you enjoy building and have some experience working with lumber, the risk of error is a bit too much to overcome if you’re a novice. 

Anything Electrical. The risk for injury is too great, here! If you think your home is having electrical problems, call in a pro.

Our inspectors are always finding interesting things in the field.
What’s pictured here?

Pictured here are two tankless water heaters side by side. While becoming more common, we don’t encounter this variety quite as often as traditional models. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, some pros of going tankless include: increased energy efficiency, an endless hot water supply, more space, a longer lifespan, and a reduced risk of water damage. Tankless water heaters do, however, have a higher upfront cost, complex installation requirements (an older home may not have systems that are up for the challenge of accommodating one), and can generally cause more temperature fluctuations than traditional heaters. 

No matter what kind of countertops you have, knowing the right way to care for them is essential for longevity. While certain types of countertops have unique maintenance needs, there are a handful of universal truths for keeping counters looking their best.

1. Wipe Up Spills Immediately.
Even water can leave permanent marks on certain types of countertops if not wiped up, but it’s important to be especially wary of acidic liquids. These can include wine, vinegar, or orange juice. A damp, non-abrasive cloth will usually do the trick.

2. Protect Them from Heat.
Never place a hot plate or pan directly on your countertop, and be careful of any small appliances that might use high heat and rest directly on your counter (toaster ovens are known culprits for counter damage). Hot pads and trivets are your best friends! You can also place special heat-resistant pads under any countertop appliances.

3. Use Approved Cleaners.
Abrasive and overly acidic cleaners aren’t intended for most types of countertops. For most countertops, water and gentle dish soap will do the trick. For granite and marble, you’ll want to opt for a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid dulling the finish.

4. Be Mindful of Scratches.
No type of countertop is safe against scratches and dents, but some may be more or less susceptible than others. Always use a cutting board when preparing food, and avoid dragging heavy objects (like that toaster oven!) across your counters.

5. Seal Them Properly (If Recommended).
Granite, marble, and other natural stone countertops are highly porous and will need to be sealed periodically. You can purchase a professional sealer to help create a barrier against liquids and other damage.