Home Maintenance That Are Best Left to the Pros
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Are you tempted to tackle home repairs yourself? I get it, there’s satisfaction in a well-earned “I fixed that.” But in Naples, Florida, some projects are risky, regulated, or simply more cost-effective when handled by a licensed professional. The right expert can protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind, especially in a climate with sun, salt air, storms, and year-round A/C.
Below are the top jobs to outsource - plus how to choose the right pro, typical pitfalls I see as a Realtor®, and when DIY is perfectly fine.
Choosing Which Home Maintenance Items To Hire a Pro
1. Roof Repairs and Inspections
Intense sun, heavy rains, and tropical storms take a toll on tile, metal, and shingle roofs. Walking a roof without training is dangerous, and “invisible” issues (lifted flashing, underlayment failure, cracked tiles) can lead to leaks and insurance headaches later.
Call a pro for: periodic inspections, storm checks, replacing tiles/shingles, flashing/underlayment repairs.
Naples tip: Many insurers require roof condition documentation; professional reports can help with renewals and claims.
2) Electrical Work
From swapping a breaker to adding a circuit for a new pool heater, electrical is not a trial-and-error category. Florida code and permitting are involved, and mistakes can cause fires.
Call a pro for: panel upgrades, EV charger circuits, exterior lighting, whole-home surge protection, generator connections.
Naples tip: Ask if the electrician will handle permitting and close-outs with the City/County - saves you time and surprises.
3. HVAC Maintenance and Repairs
Naples lives on A/C. Regular service extends lifespan and keeps energy bills in check. DIY coil cleanings and refrigerant “top-offs” can actually harm your system or void warranties.
Call a pro for: bi-annual tune-ups, refrigerant leaks, duct balancing, smart thermostat wiring, whole-home dehumidifiers.
Naples tip: Consider maintenance plans - priority scheduling during peak summer is worth it.
4. Plumbing Issues
A “small” leak can quickly become a flooring, drywall, and mold problem. Our hard water also accelerates wear on fixtures and heaters.
Call a pro for: persistent leaks, main shut-off replacements, water heater installs (tank or tankless), drain line clogs, backflow devices.
Naples tip: If you’re replacing a water heater, ask about pan drains and shut-off upgrades - cheap insurance against future damage.
5. Pool Equipment and Chemistry
We love our pools, but pumps, heaters, automation, and salt systems are specialized. Incorrect wiring or bad chemistry can shorten equipment life or create unsafe water.
Call a pro for: pump/heater/salt cell replacements, automation setup, leak detection, resurfacing, deck repairs.
Naples tip: Consider a regular service even if you like to DIY testing; pro eyes catch issues early in summer heat.
6. Mold Assessment and Remediation
Florida humidity and storm events make moisture control critical. Mold affects health and resale value, and improper removal spreads spores.
Call a pro for: any visible mold, musty odors, or water events.
Naples tip: Florida requires licensing for mold assessors/remediators - ask for it. Also ask for moisture source correction, not just cleanup.
7. Tree Trimming and Removal
Large palms and oaks near homes and power lines are no place for ladders and guesswork. Improper cuts can damage trees or structures.
Call a pro for: canopy lifts, hurricane preparation cuts, removals near structures or lines, stump grinding.
Naples tip: Some removals require permits or HOA approval - your arborist should guide you.
8) Pest Control (Especially Termites)
Termites (including Formosan), carpenter ants, and rodents love warm climates. Store sprays won’t stop structural pests.
Call a pro for: inspections, termite treatments/bonds, rodent exclusion, monthly or quarterly service.
Naples tip: If you’re buying or selling, professional termite/WDO documentation matters for negotiations and peace of mind.
When DIY Is Reasonable
Cosmetic painting & minor drywall patching
Hardware swaps: doorknobs, cabinet pulls, simple light fixtures (with power off)
Smart home basics: Wi-Fi cameras, app-based sensors (no panel work)
Landscape refreshes: planting, mulch, drip line add-ons (avoid major pruning near structures)
Basic maintenance: A/C filter changes, sink aerator cleaning, door weatherstripping, GFCI testing
If it involves structural elements, permits, gas/electric, roofing, water intrusion, or impacts insurance - call a pro.
Naples Buyer/Seller Pitfalls I See (So You Don’t)
Unpermitted work: Can delay closings or force last-minute fixes. Always verify permits were pulled and closed.
“Looks fine” roofs: Hairline cracks, lifted flashing, or failed underlayment don’t show in listing photos; inspections matter.
Moisture under vanities/windows: Often missed during casual walkthroughs; can mean active leaks or failed caulking.
DIY pool wiring: A red flag on inspections - expect required corrections before closing.
HOA/Condo surprises: Exterior changes (windows, doors, landscaping) may require approval. Know the rules before you start.
How to Choose the Right Pro (Fast Checklist)
License & insurance (ask for proof; make sure it’s current)
Local experience (Naples/Collier climate, codes, and materials)
Permits handled (and final inspections/close-out)
Clear scope & written estimate (parts, labor, timeline, warranties)
References or strong reviews (recent, local projects)
Communication (you want proactive updates, not radio silence)
Ballpark Cost Signals (Not Quotes—Just Guardrails)
A/C tune-up: routine maintenance pricing is typically modest; full repairs vary widely by part and refrigerant.
Water heater replacement: varies by tank vs. tankless and code upgrades.
Pool pump replacement: depends on single vs. variable speed and brand.
Roof tune-ups: minor repairs vs. significant underlayment issues are very different projects.Tip: Always get 2–3 local bids for scope clarity and apples-to-apples comparisons.
Want a Shortlist of Trusted Pros?
I keep a living list of reputable, vetted Naples vendors - roofers, electricians, HVAC, pool, plumbers, mold specialists, arborists, pest control, and more. Tell me what you need, and I’ll connect you with the right fit for your home, timeline, and budget.
DIY is great for small jobs - but the Florida climate, insurance landscape, and permitting requirements make certain projects better (and ultimately cheaper) with licensed professionals. Lean on local expertise early to avoid bigger headaches later.
If you are looking for your next (or first) home in the Naples area or are needing to sell your home, reach out to your Naples real estate expert, Renee Hahn, to get the tailored client experience and results that landed her in the top 0.5% in the nation.
📍Naples, Florida
📞(239) 287-2576
#️⃣ Instagram: @reneehahnluxurynaples
#️⃣ Facebook: LuxuryRealEstateinNaples
Comments