Home maintenance is an ongoing job that every homeowner faces. Whether you’ve just moved into your dream home or have been there for years, keeping your property in good nick is essential. In Australia where the weather can be extreme, hot summers and heavy rain can take their toll on homes, regular maintenance is even more important.

Many Aussies love to roll up their sleeves and tackle DIY jobs around the house. It saves money, gives you a sense of accomplishment and keeps the home looking ship shape. But the big question is: what can you do yourself and when should you call in a professional?

Let’s look at the most common DIY jobs you can do yourself and the ones you should definitely leave to the experts.

What You Can Do Yourself

1. Basic Cleaning and Maintenance

This is the easiest category. Jobs like cleaning gutters, washing windows, tidying up the yard and regular garden maintenance are all DIY. In fact these are essential jobs to prevent damage such as blocked gutters causing water overflow or pest infestations.

Tip: Always use a sturdy ladder when cleaning gutters and have someone nearby for safety.

2. Replacing Light Bulbs and Fixtures

Changing light bulbs or installing new light fixtures is usually a simple job, especially if it’s plug-in fittings or easy access ceiling lights. Always switch off the power at the main switchboard before starting.

3. Painting and Decorating

Painting walls, fences or garden furniture is a classic DIY job. It can freshen up your home’s appearance for a fraction of the cost of hiring painters. Just remember to prepare surfaces properly by cleaning and sanding where necessary and use quality paint for the Australian climate.

4. Fixing Leaky Taps and Running Toilets

Many small plumbing jobs like dripping taps or running toilets can be fixed by homeowners with a bit of patience and the right tools. Replacement washers and tap seals are available at hardware stores.

Tip: Turn off your water supply before starting any plumbing work to avoid flooding.

5. Replacing Smoke Detector Batteries

An important safety job, replacing smoke alarm batteries every 6 months is easy and must not be neglected. Smoke detectors save lives so keeping them in good working order is a must.

6. Garden Maintenance and Planting

Trimming hedges, mowing lawns, planting new shrubs and mulching garden beds are all fun DIY jobs for many Aussies. Keeping your garden in shape boosts your home’s street appeal and creates a nice environment.

What You Should Leave to Professionals

While DIY is rewarding and can save you money, some home maintenance tasks are best left to licensed professionals. Trying to do them yourself can result in injury, property damage or expensive repairs down the track.

1. Sewer and Drainage Issues

Blocked drains or sewer lines should be left to licensed plumbers. “While small clogs can be fixed with DIY methods, serious or ongoing sewer problems need a professional—especially if there’s a risk of sewage overflow”, stated by the Cyber Plumbers. Trying to unblock drains yourself can make the problem worse or damage pipes.

Note: Preventative maintenance like using drain strainers or regular cleaning is fine, but for persistent blockages or leaks call a professional.

2. Electrical Work

Electrical wiring, installing new power points or rewiring circuits is risky and regulated by Australian law. Only qualified electricians should do these jobs to ensure safety and compliance with standards.

Why: Incorrect wiring can cause electrical fires, electrocution or damage to appliances.
When: Even minor jobs like installing ceiling fans or light switches require professional intervention unless you have the right licence.

3. Gas Fitting

Anything to do with gas like repairing gas appliances, installing new gas lines or servicing gas hot water systems must be done by a licensed gas fitter. Gas leaks are serious and can cause fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remember: Never try to fix gas leaks yourself — call the professionals immediately if you suspect a leak.

4. Roof Repairs

While basic gutter cleaning is fine for most homeowners, more extensive roof work is best left to experienced roofers. Climbing on roofs is dangerous and incorrect repairs can cause leaks or structural damage.

Tip: Hire a professional if you need to replace tiles, repair flashing or fix damaged roofing materials.

5. Structural Repairs

Cracks in foundations, walls or load bearing elements require expert assessment and repair. Structural issues are complex and if not fixed correctly can compromise your home’s safety.

Best Practice: Consult a structural engineer or qualified builder for major repairs.

6. Asbestos Handling

Older Australian homes may have asbestos in walls, roofs, or flooring. Handling or disturbing asbestos without proper safety gear and training is dangerous and illegal. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.

Always hire licensed asbestos removalists if you suspect asbestos in your home to ensure safe and compliant removal.

DIY Home Maintenance Safety Tips

Even when doing simple jobs, safety must come first. Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind:

Use the right tools: Buy good quality tools and learn how to use them.
Wear protective gear: Gloves, safety glasses, dust masks and sturdy footwear can prevent injuries.
Work with a buddy: For jobs involving heights or heavy lifting, have someone assist or supervise.
Know your limits: If a job feels beyond your skills or comfort zone, call in a professional.
Follow local regulations: Some home improvements require permits or inspections, check with your local council.

When DIY Saves Money — and When It Costs More

DIY can be a great way to save money especially on minor repairs and cosmetic upgrades. However, DIY gone wrong can lead to bigger problems that cost more in the long run.

For example a poorly installed electrical outlet can damage your home’s wiring or appliances or an amateur roof patch can cause leaks and water damage inside. Weigh the risks and benefits before starting any job.

Knowing Your Limits: When to DIY and When to Call the Experts

DIY home maintenance is a great way to keep your home in shape and save a few dollars. Simple jobs like painting, garden maintenance and minor plumbing repairs are within most homeowners reach.

But for anything electrical, gas fitting, structural repairs or asbestos handling, call in the licensed professionals. They have the skills, equipment and legal qualifications to do the job safely and correctly.

By knowing what you can and can’t do yourself you’ll keep your home safe, well maintained and a nice place to live — all while avoiding costly mistakes.