DIY projects are enticing due to the awesome advantage of saving yourself some money. However, you may open yourself up to safety and regulatory issues that end up being more expensive than hiring professional services in the first place! Here are 17 home improvements to never take on without professional help.
Electrical Work
We start with electrical work, and here, we aren’t just advising against DIY installations or fixes because of the high risk of electrocution and severe injuries. Electrical work also needs to meet strict electrical codes, which are best known by professionals. Non-compliance can lead to large fines and restrictions. There’s also the risk of fires from incorrect wiring.
Plumbing Repairs
It’s best to leave plumbing work to the professionals, as incorrect plumbing can lead to severe water damage to your indoor areas and even the structure of your home. Like electrical work, plumbing is guided by local codes, and you risk contaminating your water supply when pipes aren’t connected properly.
HVAC Repairs
HVAC systems are extremely complex, so a good repair job requires specialized knowledge. A single mistake could lead to inefficiency in your cooling and heating systems, potentially increasing your energy bill. For instance, the Department of Energy says that ignoring a verification of performance may increase energy bills by 30%.
Roof Repairs
There are three things to worry about when it comes to DIY roofing. Firstly, making changes or repairs to your roofs can cause you to void warranties on them. Secondly, unprofessionally installed shingles or flashing could lead to leaks and water damage in your home. And finally, the height at which you work also makes it a dangerous task to take on.
Structural Changes
It’s never a good idea to alter your home’s structure by yourself, either! Your home has a load-bearing system that keeps it upright, and taking out the wrong wall immediately compromises its structural integrity. You’ll also need professional permits and inspections to make these changes, and hazards like asbestos and lead are best handled by professionals.
Gas Line Repairs
There are strict safety standards guiding gas line installations and repairs, and these exist for a clear reason. Poor work on a gas pipe could lead to leaks and exposure to harmful gases like carbon monoxide. There’s also the unfortunate possibility of an explosion, which you definitely wouldn’t want!
Foundation Repairs
We know how costly foundation work can be when you hire a professional. But you should understand that it’s complex and needs specialized equipment and expertise. Working on your foundation yourself will more likely worsen problems, leading to more expenses and significantly depleting your home’s value.
Mold Remediation
Not all molds are toxic, but you still need specialized assistance to spot the ones that are. The EPA warns that even non-allergic people may suffer irritation to their eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs when they inhale mold. Professionals also know the best strategies to contain mold, remove it, and prevent it from growing again in the future.
Window Replacement
DIY work on windows also causes you to lose some heat or air-conditioning energy, and this is typically due to drafting. There’s also the risk of water getting into your home when it rains, and you’ll probably make all existing manufacturer warranties on the windows void as well.
Tree Removal
The taller a tree is, the more of a safety hazard it becomes when it falls, and we aren’t just talking about harm to your body. Tree felling requires specialized tools and strategies, and when you do it uncontrolled, you can cause a tree to plunge on (and damage) surrounding properties, including your home.
Asbestos Removal
When you disturb asbestos, Penn Medicine explains that you release harmful fibers into the air, which are known to damage our lungs. It’s no surprise that asbestos removal and disposal are highly regulated procedures best left to the professionals.
Septic System Repairs
Work on septic systems is typically guided by local codes, and repairs require technical and professional knowledge to be done appropriately. When you DIY these repairs, you expose yourself to health risks, mainly from contaminating your home’s soil and water sources.
Waterproofing a Basement
On one hand, basement waterproofing requires specialized techniques to be perfect, especially when done from the outside. On the other hand, you may have to deal with hazardous chemicals to make the surfaces you work on more durable. Poor DIY treatments only compromise your home’s structural integrity and put your health at risk.
Installing Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring requires precision in measurements, cuts, and material placements, which aren’t really the forte of untrained individuals. In addition, certain sub-floor issues affect installations—best left to professionals to deal with—and professional-grade tools are also required to achieve a smooth and durable flooring finish.
Pest Control
As Forbes shares, DIY pest control has the potential to save you money. But when you’re dealing with serious problems, like wood-boring pests, or you notice health issues from hazardous chemicals, it’s best to get professional help. Refusing to do this can lead to more costly pest and personal health issues in the future.
Major Appliance Repairs
Not only does working on large appliances in your home pose the risk of electrocution or a fire hazard due to incorrect connections, but you also stand the chance of losing your warranty on them. Due to the technical knowledge needed, you may also waste money buying unnecessary parts.
Deck Construction
Decks require specialized knowledge about structural principles and materials. Constructing a deck yourself, albeit poorly, will cause it to collapse eventually, and this poses a safety hazard around your home. There also tend to be local regulations guiding their installment, and you could land in trouble if you don’t abide by them.
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