7 Home Improvements You Should Never DIY

DIY has taken the home improvement world by storm. Homeowners are discovering more of what they can do themselves. With technology readily available, it’s easy to find instructions and videos on how to complete the project you desire.

However, there are certainly some projects that shouldn’t be DIY-ed. A skilled professional can help you avoid any damage to you or your home, ensuring the project is done correctly. Before you begin your next DIY home project, see our list of what you should leave to the pros.

Has your DIY project gone astray? Could you use an expert to make your home just as you imagined? Contact a pro today for up to four quotes from local contractors in your area for free.

1. Electrical Work

Outside of replacing a light fixture, you should leave most electrical projects to the pros. Unless you have the skilled ability and background knowledge on the wiring system in your house, it’s best to leave it to a pro. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of electrocution, but an electrical fire can cause significant damage to your home. An electrical pro can ensure the work you need is done safely.

2. Wall Removal & Structural Changes

So, you want a new open floor plan kitchen and living room. It’s as easy as taking down a wall, right? Think again. You don’t know what’s hiding behind a wall as well as what it could be supporting. A few holes and you can damage your home systems or create structural damage. Additionally, structural changes will always need a permit, which can be can be difficult to navigate if you’re not familiar.

With any remodel, you’ll be making an investment. The last thing you’ll need is a mistake to set the whole project behind or over budget. To help your structural changes go as smooth as possible, contact a remodeling pro who can help you transform your home.

3. Roof Repairs

Your roof is an important part of your home’s structure. While they have longevity, it’s common that after a few years, a repair may need to be made. However, this is not something you should consider doing yourself. Not only is it unsafe heights for those without proper equipment, to the untrained eye, the problem may seem smaller than it really is. As the roof is such a vital part of keeping the home comfortable and water-free, you’ll want to be confident that your roof is fixed completely.

4. Window Replacement

While replacing your windows may seem simple, consider how many small details you may be overlooking. Often, windows don’t just fit into place; they need to be cut and sized to fit within the allotted space. A mistake when replacing your windows can be a costly one to the overall project and impact the efficiency of your home. A window pro can get the dimensions and fit just right, so you don’t have to worry about impacting the comfort of your home.

5. Bedbug Abatement

If there’s one thing that scares me the most, it’s bedbugs. These critters can spread and invade every area of the home if not taken care of in enough time. While there are DIY solutions that exist, they are not as effective as having an exterminator handle them. They know the signs to look for and where to check to find the source, then removing them completely from the home. Bedbugs are insects you don’t want lingering around your home. If you suspect you have bedbugs, contact a professional as soon as possible.

6. Tree Removal

While trees are a great feature of any yard, a dead or dying tree can become a source of problems. However, it’s not as simple as using a saw to cut down. If a large tree falls the wrong way, it can land on your home or cause harm to others. A tree removal professional can mitigate these dangers.

7. HVAC Repair

From strange noises to broken parts, our HVAC systems may need a little TLC on occasion. Unless you are a trained professional in this specialty, you may not be able to diagnose the problem yourself. Attempting to do so might cause further damage to your system. An HVAC pro will be able to find and fix the problem so your HVAC can run its best.

DIY Safety

As you can probably tell, more often than not, a project should not be DIYed due to safety reasons. If you do decide to take on one of these projects or any other DIY project, refresh yourself on some home improvement safety basics.

• Always ensure your tools work properly before using them.
• Work in a space free of obstacles.
• Wear a mask and safety glasses when dealing with debris.
• Make sure safety guards are on all sharp tools when not in use.
• Never carry a power tool by the cord.
• Keep a stocked first aid kit at home.

Conclusion

While DIY projects can be a fun way to improve your home, it’s important to know when to call a pro. It’s always better to invest money on doing a project right, then making up for a mistake. Rely on pro expertise to ensure your safety.

 

credit: ImproveNet