DIY and Home Warranties: Benefits of Using Your Coverage

Being a homeowner is exciting, but it can often feel overwhelming. It seems like there’s always something to fix, update, or upgrade. In fact, U.S. homeowners spent an average of $4,000 or more on general repair and maintenance costs. And when we see that kind of dent in our savings accounts, it leaves us wondering how we can save. This begs the question, which option is best when considering DIY vs. professional help on projects?

While DIY fixes often seem like the best way to save money, the cost of parts (and your time) adds up. Especially if you don’t get it right on the first try. Instead, you can opt for home warranty coverage from First American, with no DIY required. But how does a home warranty work? There are just a few steps in the process:

• Step 1: Notice the problem. As soon as you notice one of your covered systems or appliances is acting up, call First American or sign in to submit a claim.
• Step 2: Help is on the way. When we get your request, we’ll assign a prescreened technician to diagnose the problem and confirm coverage, so you don’t have to spend time or money fixing it yourself.
• Step 3: Get repair or replacement needs completed. Once our technician discovers the cause of the issue, they’ll begin the repair process. And if we can’t fix a covered item, we’ll replace it.*

So, are home warranty plans worth it when comparing DIY vs. professional fixes? We think so. The time and money you’ll save are valuable to your lifestyle and budget.

Related: Questions About Home Warranties?

When NOT to DIY

Even for the DIY expert, it’s always a better idea to put in a service request first when you have a home warranty. Here are a few reasons to stop debating DIY vs. professional and contact us first:

You’ve already paid for your home warranty. If you were renting your house, you’d let the landlord take care of appliance or system issues, right? Think of a home warranty the same way. You pay to have experts on hand when breakdowns arise, so take advantage of the service.

Time is money. Compare the cost of having a home warranty vs. paying out of pocket for parts or repairs. For a simple service fee, you could save yourself hours or even days of work on a DIY project. (Not to mention the gas going back to the hardware store when you accidentally buy the wrong part… twice!)

You could end up with a denied claim. If you attempt to fix something and end up needing repair help or make the issue worse, your home warranty claim will likely be denied. Why risk it?

Your appliances are very old – or very new. Older systems can be harder to fix and find parts for, so calling in the experts is definitely a good idea. And newer appliances often come equipped with special parts and smart capabilities that require a professional.

The fix is part of a major system like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. The largest systems in your home typically require expert level knowledge to repair. Fixing issues with these systems can even be dangerous when done incorrectly. If you’ve been wondering, “When is a home warranty worth it?” – this is a great example.

So, When Should You DIY?

Your home warranty is a wonderful asset that can help you save time and money on repairs to your home’s appliances and systems. But there are things a home warranty doesn’t cover. Whether you’ve chosen a plan that doesn’t include every appliance you’d like to cover, or you want to make upgrades beyond what your warranty can help with, sometimes DIY is the appropriate route. Let’s go over some examples of when it may be a good time to take on a do-it-yourself project.

If you’re a DIY expert. When you have tons of DIY experience under your belt, or you’re a qualified tradesperson yourself, you know the limits of your knowledge and what you can handle. If you’ve done the repair before or know with 100% certainty how to complete a project, DIY could be a better idea for you than most. (Though if you have a home warranty, why not let someone else handle the dirty work and avoid any complications?)

For upgrades to your home. If you’re installing new energy-efficient appliances, repainting rooms, putting up shelving, and so on, a home warranty isn’t an option. If you don’t want to pay a professional for projects like painting cabinets, DIY can be a good option. But keep in mind that your First American home warranty membership comes with access to Porch services. You can contact Porch to schedule services like gutter cleanings, TV mounting, and more.

When the appliance or system in question isn’t in your plan. There’s no risk of a denied claim if you attempt a DIY fix for non-covered items. Just keep in mind that if you end up needing to schedule services through a provider, it still may be more costly if you’ve attempted to fix it on your own first.

Pro tip: Our Top Tips for Home Maintenance contain helpful advice about all kinds of things your home warranty doesn’t cover.

Why Choose a Home Warranty?

So, are home warranties worth it? If you’re truly a DIY expert, you may be thinking, “Do I need a home warranty at all?” But experts like you would rather spend time on projects that are more fun, so warranty coverage helps free up your time. You also may not be aware of all the other benefits that come with being a First American member. In addition to providing financial wins when it comes to system and appliance repairs, you get these great member benefits and more:

• Savings on home maintenance and improvement projects 
• Discounts on major appliance brands
• Refer-a-friend and you both get an Amazon gift card

Simply sign into your online account to tap into these perks and review your contract to see what’s included in your coverage.

Not a member yet? Let us provide you with a free personalized quote so you can start protecting your home and budget.

*Please review your contract for specific coverage, terms, and limitations.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.