7 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never DIY
It’s no surprise that homeowners want to avoid costly repairs and untrustworthy contractors and instead attempt home improvements projects on their own. The problem? There are a ton of home improvement projects you should never DIY, because of their difficulty or the potential danger involved.
Before you start any project, you should ask yourself three important questions.
- Could I seriously injure myself and others?
- How much will repairs cost if I mess up?
- Do I need a permit, certifications, specific skills, or previous experience?
These questions and more are crucial for evaluating a project as you calculate the cost of materials, the time it will take, the expertise needed, and the amount of labor involved in doing a project yourself versus hiring a skilled handyman. Knowing which projects to hand over to a professional can save a lot of time, save money, and keep you safe.
Read on to learn the seven home improvement projects you should never DIY.
1. Mounting TVs, Electronics, or Art
Mounting a tv, piece of art, or other heavy object to your wall may seem like a simple, straightforward task you can do yourself, but this home improvement project comes with a risk to your home and yourself.
If you’re unaware of the wiring and piping behind your walls, you could risk electrocution, bursting a pipe, or causing a gas leak. That one small slip up could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, especially if the leak is slow and continues for a long period of time without repair. An expert handyman will be equipped to find a safe, secure location for your piece to avoid any unintentional damage.
2. Scraping Chipped Paint
Few things can update a room quicker than a fresh coat of paint! But before you break out your brushes and rollers, you’ll need to remove any chipping or peeling paint. This might seem like a simple DIY task—but It’s important to keep in mind that removing paint could be potentially dangerous!
Homes built prior to 1978—even if they’ve undergone a major remodel—could have lead-based paint lurking in the layers on your walls. This lead-based paint, if not properly removed, is likely to crumble and flake off creating a toxic dust that is easily inhaled and could be poisonous if ingested. Professional handymen are equipped with the proper tools and respirators to keep them and your family safe during removal and throughout the painting process.
3. Repairing Bathroom or Kitchen Plumbing
A clogged drain or leaky pipe is not just unsightly; it can cause lasting damage to your home! Repairing a leak or installing a new faucet may seem like a simple home improvement project, but bathrooms and kitchens have their own unique obstacles and potential dangers.
The plumbing and electric in these rooms are often installed near or next to each other. If done incorrectly, you could risk flooding, electrocution, or potentially both. An expert handyman will know how to safely work in the space and how to quickly fix an issue to avoid further damage.
4. Installing Light Fixtures
Watching a few tutorials may make you want to take a swing at switching out a dated light fixture yourself, but what should be a quick home improvement project can turn into a disaster if not done properly.
Incorrect wiring when installing the new light can mean popping breakers, sparking outlets, and costly repairs. Plus, inexperience in working with electrical wires means an increased risk of electrocution.
A professional handyman will know how to safely disconnect the power and test for live wires before working on the replacement—leaving you with a safely installed fixture and peace of mind.
5. Upgrading Electrical Outlets
Speaking of your home’s electrical system, updated outlets and electrical panel can save you energy costs and lower your risk of electrical fire. Replacing them yourself, however, can put you and your home at risk! Between 2015 and 2019, fire departments reported an average of 46,700 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year, according to the NFPA.
Improper installation can put you and your home at risk of electrical fires, code non-compliance, and other safety issues. A professional handyman will have the experience and skill to upgrade your outlets to save you money and avoid faulty wiring.
6. Removing Walls
Anyone who’s ever watched a home renovation TV show has seen the joy contractors have taking down walls. While it may look like a fun way to relieve stress and open up your space, removing the wrong wall can do serious damage to your home.
Before you consider taking down any walls, it’s important to understand if it is load-bearing or not. If it is and you take it down without establishing a new, safe way to bear the load, you could seriously damage the structure of your home, cause a ceiling collapse, or be seriously injured. In addition to structural damage—essential wiring, plumbing, and gas lines may need to be rerouted to allow for continued access. An experienced contractor or architect can inform you if a wall can be safely removed or not.
7. Replacing Roof Tiles or Shingles
Has a recent storm—or years of wear and tear—left you with roof damage? It may seem like a quick fix to replace a tile or two, but improper installation can cause additional damage, mismatched materials, and a potentially voided warranty. Incorrect roof repair can also cause leaks into your attic—which if left unchecked, can cause mold and compound damage over time.
In addition to skill and experience, professional handymen have the tools and safety gear to keep them secure while working on your roof. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofers are among the highest risk of work-related injuries and fatalities of any profession. It’s best to leave tasks on the roof to the professionals.
No one wants to pay to fix a repair twice! Trying your hand at DIY is common and might be a way to save money—but for jobs like the ones above, it’s best to let an expert tackle the job.
If your home improvement project is a little out of your comfort zone or skill level, our expert handmen are ready to help.
Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.