Home improvement do-it-yourself home projects are becoming very popular nowadays. They seem like a great way to save money and show off your handyman skills and creativity. And sometimes, they’re exactly that. However, this ‘shortcut’ often proves to be a long way round. While some DIY projects are simple and rewarding, others are better left to professionals. The reasons are various- it can take a lot of your precious time, or you don’t always have the right tools or skills. Not to mention that faulty work can end up being more expensive. You might have to call pros to handle the repairs, which will likely cost more than hiring experts from the start. Additionally, if you don’t possess an adequate skill set or experience, doing complex work on your own may lead to injuries. With all that in mind, we’ve prepared this list of home improvements that you should never DIY. If you need help with home repair and maintenance, Odd Job is here.
Electrical Repairs
When it comes to electricity, there is no dilemma between professionals and DIY-style repairs. Even minor adjustments require expert knowledge and experience, so calling a licensed electrician is a must. There are so many things that can go south and cause considerable damage to your home.
While changing the light bulbs is a simple task for an average homeowner, anything more complex is risky. Meddling with wiring and the electrical panel can lead to short-circuiting, overloading power, or exploding outlets. The last thing you want is to start an electrical fire in your home or electrocute yourself.
Plumbing
This is also one of the home improvements that professionals should deal with. Even when it doesn’t seem so, there is a lot going under the surface. For example, a leaky faucet may seem like a simple DIY fix, but it can also be an indicator of a more significant issue.
Depending on the extent of the problem, a small leak can turn into a flood and cause water damage. We don’t have to tell you how expensive repairing that can be! For that reason, it would be wise to leave the sink, drains, and toilets to plumbing experts.
Major Basement Renovations
Digging your own basement or remodeling an attic may look like a perfect project for a DIY enthusiast. However, if you have no more than average knowledge and YouTube videos to guide you, it’s better to get professional help. Both these renovations are costly and time-consuming.
Not to mention that you’ll have to put in many hours of hard labor before you get to enjoy the result. And that’s only if you do everything right. Instead, have experts do the heavy lifting and have fun decorating when they’ve done the work.
Structural Changes
If you’re not sure the wall isn’t essential, it’s better not to remove it on your own! After all, you don’t want your home to collapse like a house of cards. The same applies to all structural changes. An open floor plan can be an excellent idea, but creating it requires seeing the bigger picture. What seems like a small change to you can have a tremendous effect on your home as a whole. You don’t want to deal with a collapsing roof, sagging beams, or a ceiling caving in.
Replacing the Roof
Speaking of roofs, replacing them is one of the home improvements to leave to experts. Similar to electric work, it carries a great risk of injuries. Falling off the roof is not uncommon – working high above the ground is challenging if you don’t have experience. Additionally, an average homeowner doesn’t have the necessary equipment for such work in their garage. So, instead of climbing the ladders yourself, stay safe on the ground and give a call to experienced roofers.
Leave Risky Projects to the Professionals
Of course, when considering what project to tackle on your own, safety and risk assessment are important factors. While DIY improvements can be exciting and fulfilling, risking your health and safety is not worth it. Here are some dangerous projects that you should avoid doing by yourself.
Installing heavy stuff
You could probably install those beautiful marble countertops on your own. But they’re quite heavy – you could drop them and hurt yourself or others. That could also cause damage to the material, and you don’t want that. On the other hand, pros will not only have proper tools but also valuable know-how when it comes to dealing with heavy items.
Moving bulky items
Even if you only want to freshen up your interior, ensure you stay within risk-free boundaries. For example, painting the walls and adding some accent art pieces can be fun and enjoyable. However, rearranging the furniture is not.
You want to move that magnificent piano from the living room into the storage unit? Hiring pros to transfer the bulky piano is an excellent idea. Apart from it being unwieldy, it’s also delicate and valuable. You don’t want to scratch it or drop it along the way – instead, call expert piano movers who will handle it with care. The same applies to all heavy and oversize items such as sofas, wardrobes, or any antique pieces you have.
Handling dangerous materials
Tackling old insulation, removing lead-based paint and similar projects carry significant health risks. For example, insulation in old homes often contains asbestos. This toxic material poses a risk both to your health and the environment. Similarly, lead-based paint can cause health problems – nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and many others. Therefore, it’s better to leave such work to experts with proper protective equipment and experience.
Installing and refinishing floors
Although it isn’t as dangerous and difficult as some other home improvements, it requires a professional touch, especially if you’re redoing the whole floor. What looks like a minor flaw in the beginning will grow exponentially as you continue. This will cause you a lot of frustration and waste your time. Instead, call master carpenters who can perform this task quickly and smoothly.
Replacing the Roof
Although DIY projects offer many benefits, it’s important to know your limitations. Before you decide to handle major home improvements on your own, assess potential risks as well as your expertise and skills. Keep in mind that although the DIY route seems cheaper initially, it may cost you way more in the end. Instead, rely on top-notch professional services.
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