So you created a budget to take control of your spending and your finances are now in good order. You started a new side hustle to increase your incomings and you no longer make unnecessary purchases. You’ve even got a bit of cash left over for a few treats. You’ve earned them! Money saving can become a bit of an obsession when you start reaping the benefits. We tend to spend most of our spare money on our homes so it’s natural that we look to reduce costs here too. But knowing when to hire a qualified professional can save you money when it comes to doing jobs outside of your comfort zone.
DIY is one area in which you can make a lot of savings but only if done right. But if you get it wrong, it can cost you significantly more than if you had hired a competent professional from the start. It’s all about being aware of what you realistically can and can’t do. Learning how to bleed a radiator is one thing but attempting any electrical work is on another level and should be left to a qualified electrician.
Similarly, you have a water leak you’re determined to fix yourself. The time you take trying to source and fix the problem is likely to lead to more harm and more cost than if you had got a plumber in straight away. You also need to be aware that you could invalidate your home insurance for any delay in addressing a problem or for any botched DIY you attempt yourself. Knowing when to hire a qualified professional can save you money and it’s important to understand when this is the case.
Therefore, try and research in advance for reliable local tradesmen you can trust. Personal recommendations are especially useful. This is one occasion where the cheapest probably isn’t the best.
Pest control is also something that should be left to the experts. As before, any delay in eradicating a pest infestation could cause more damage to your property and therefore lead to more expense. A professional pest controller will have the specialist know-how, equipment and deterrents that your local DIY store will not be able to offer.
The types of pest control services your local specialist will perform will be based on the common issues in your area. Rats and mice are a common problem in most areas of the world but you may live somewhere where termites are a bigger issue.
In Tacoma (WA) ants are a common problem. Wood-destroying ants in particular can do considerable damage to homes if left unchecked.
Moisture ants as their name suggests are attracted to moisture and like to feed on rotting wood. Therefore, if you find them in your home you probably have a damp problem, perhaps caused by a leak or poor ventilation, so it’s important to identify the source as soon as possible.
Carpenter ants are commonly seen outside and are easy to identify, being much larger than all other local ants. They can do damage on a similar scale to that of termites if found in the home, by feeding on wood.
Fortunately, termites are less of an issue in West Washington, the Subterranean species is present but not in high numbers in the area. They are though, capable of causing significant damage if any infestation is not treated early. The more common Dampwood termite tends to prefer to feed on rotting wood found in the forests.
Rodents are a significant problem. Apart from the damage they cause to cables, furniture, drywall and insulation, they can carry serious diseases which are spread through their droppings and urine. A specialist pest controller should be able to eradicate the problem in one to two visits.
Spider infestations are common in the Pacific Northwest, especially in late summer and early fall. Fortunately, they don’t infest homes in large numbers and do little damage. People are naturally concerned that any spiders in their homes may be venomous. However, only the Yellow Sac Spider is venomous in this region. Although its bite is painful it’s not dangerous unless you receive an allergic reaction. Low levels of spiders in the home are to be expected no matter how much you keep doors and windows closed.
Flying stinging insects, such as wasps, bees, hornets and yellow jackets can be dangerous in large numbers and requires specialist attention. Large active nests in or around the home are understandably going to cause alarm and some species can behave aggressively if not handled with great care. Sometimes the nest may be hidden out of view, such as within the walls of your house, making removal particularly challenging.
Flying biting insects, such as mosquitos, won’t damage your property but can turn your summer into a miserable time. Your garden becomes a ‘no go’ zone through the fear of being bitten and sprays don’t offer reliable protection. Some people get severe reactions from insect bites causing large itchy spots and there is also the risk of disease spreading.
So if you live in or near Tacoma (WA) it’s good to know that a reputable pest control company will be fine-tuned into the best methods for dealing with these infestations found in the region. Sometimes a combination of strategies will be used for maximum effectiveness.
These represent two areas where trying to resolve things yourself can actually cost you much more in the long run. Making savings while staying in or slightly stretching your comfort zone is fine. However, you need to know your limits and when it’s wise to get the professionals in.
Is doing everything yourself really saving you money in business?