If you’re proud of how your home looks or want to increase its value, you’ve likely turned to the internet in search of home improvement projects. With so many available tips, a large number of homeowners feel confident in tackling home improvement projects on their own, but this can often produce unsatisfactory or even dangerous results.
Whether your goal is to save money or simply enjoy a challenge, some projects are handled better in the hands of home service experts. When done incorrectly, some renovations that were meant to be low-budget can end up costing you dearly, causing significant damage. Many projects also require licenses and can even invalidate your insurance coverage.
So while you can probably execute simple DIY projects, it might be wise to think twice before undertaking a serious home improvement project in the absence of professional help. To keep the cost down and protect yourself against injury or damage, here are four household projects better left for professionals.
Heating Appliances Repair
At some point, you might notice your gas stove, water heater, or furnace isn’t working properly or has stopped working altogether. While you might be tempted to tinker with it yourself, you should avoid using the appliance until you have a professional take a look at it.
Malfunctioning gas or liquid fuel appliances put you at risk for gas poisoning, fire, or even an explosion. Although you will likely smell a gas leak if you’re awake, you might not be aware of it when asleep, which is extremely dangerous. Additionally, you should be careful with the storage and handling of liquid fuels and take precautionary measures, preferably with the help of an experienced professional.
Electrical Jobs
Although it may seem obvious that electricity is not something that an untrained homeowner should attempt to handle, when the job seems simple, many people are tempted to do it. However, electrical jobs can be extremely risky, so you should resist the temptation at all costs and call an electrician to take care of the issue instead.
Such electrical jobs include dealing with a dead outlet, a switch that’s stopped working, or a tripping breaker. The same goes for appliances that need wiring, like a generator. More complex projects like wiring a home addition will also require a permit, so you should avoid dealing with them if you want to avoid a fine. Additionally, you should always be on the lookout for any electrical hazards and hire a professional to help you prevent any damage.
Plumbing
Unlike gas or electricity, a water leak is not as likely to cause serious damage. However, that makes plumbing sound simple when in reality there are a lot of things that can go wrong if the job is not handled correctly. You can likely loosen small clogs or replace a faucet if you’re up for the job, but you should leave the more complex undertakings to a professional.
For instance, breaking or accidentally loosening a pipe will almost surely cause a flood. If the damage is not contained on time, the moisture can lead to rotting or mold. Additionally, installing a pipe or fixture incorrectly, like in the case of a toilet, can cause leaks that will not be noticeable immediately. Over time, these leaks can cause your walls to rot and even damage the wood structure of your house.
Structural Changes
A building or house’s wood structure works as its skeleton, meaning that any changes to it affect the entire construction. That is why you need to carefully plan any such changes and consider how they might affect the roof, walls, plumbing, wiring, or any other components of the house.
If you’re considering knocking down a wall, building an additional balcony, adding a new room, or doing any other project that affects the building’s structure, you should at least consult with a professional before diving into the project. Windows, for instance, may look easy to install, but if you do it incorrectly, it can lead to drafts and leaks. For major remodeling projects that involve permits and inspections, hiring a professional is a must.
Roofing Repairs
In a single-story home, you might replace a shingle or repair a damaged gutter on your own. However, if you have large damaged sections, holes, or leaks, you should always leave them to a professional. Inadequate roofing repairs can cause leaks that turn into mold or rot. These can dampen your insulation, which not only makes your home less comfortable but can cause high heating and cooling bills.
For homes with multiple stories, roofing repairs carry more significant risks. In those cases, you should leave all repairs – even the simpler ones – to a professional with adequate safety equipment.
Final Words
Knowing how to handle minor home repairs now and then is a useful skill to have, but it’s crucial to know when to leave things to a skilled professional. They will not only handle the projects more efficiently but will ensure a safer and hassle-free environment.
Although you can likely replace a faucet or fix a cabinet on your own, you should avoid more complex jobs like heating appliances repair, electrical jobs, plumbing, structural changes, and roofing repairs. If you’re unsure about any project, it’s always best to consult with a professional service.
