Pro Projects
10 Home Improvement Projects Best Left To A Professional
Tackling a home renovation project requires more than an eye for design and the ability to match colors. You also need to understand how all of the various components of a structure fit together, how to precisely measure materials, and how to properly use all of the tools required so that the project ends up looking the way you hope (and without injury to yourself). A home improvement project done wrong can be expensive to fix or even downright dangerous.
It's best to assess what you can actually handle on your own, and which projects you should NOT DIY. At EXOVATIONS, we've witnessed some home projects that didn't turn out for the best, just because a homeowner bit off more than they could chew. We're talking about those projects that require more training than a few half-hour classes at Home Depot. The kind that, if done wrong, could cost a lot of money to fix. Or worse.
The TOP 10 Home Improvement projects best left to the professionals
Tree Removal
Cutting down trees, or even removing branches requires climbing and working with dangerous tools from a high distance off the ground.
This is disaster waiting to happen, and definitely something better left to professionals who are trained and paid to do this!
Home additions or structural changes
Knocking down walls might seem like a simple task, but behind those walls could be electrical wiring, gas pipes and plumbing that can cause huge problems in your home.
Accidentally knocking down walls when you're not sure which beams are supporting the roof can turn into a terrible situation quickly too. Rather than taking a chance, consult a contractor first!
Paving your driveway
Paving stones can turn a boring driveway into a focal point. And while they look relatively simple to install, the reality is that the measuring and positioning of paving stones can be tremendously time-consuming. (Think of it as a game of Tetris on steroids.) But a team of professionals can cut installation down to a day, depending on your driveway size.
Electrical work
It's one thing to flip a fuse switch to the power in your home on or off, but another to attempt to repair faulty wiring or any other electrical issues without professional help.
Working with electrical wires can be deadly and the proper precautions and knowledge are crucial. We're talking house fires and putting your family's safety in jeopardy if you do it wrong. For most, that sort of risk isn't worth saving a few bucks to do it yourself.
Plumbing repair
Unless it's something simple like unclogging a toilet or fixing a drain, messing with plumbing can cause major dilemmas (Just think about an overflowing toilet or unstoppable burst in a pipe...not fun).
Poor plumbing could lead to a messy situation and water damage that will end up costing you more than what you would have paid to have the job done right in the first place. It's always better to ask a plumber before trying to tackle any plumbing issues on your own.
Roof repair or replacement
Besides the fact that working on top of a roof is very risky because one could easily lose their footing and slip, it can also be detrimental to your home's structure if you don't know the proper way to install or repair roofing. If you are going to check the roof for damages or cleaning gutters, bring a friend and proceed with caution.
In addition, improper installation can void the shingle manufacturer's warranty.
Installing siding
If done properly, siding can last for years. But if siding is not securely installed, weather conditions can tear it off, or seep underneath, causing harm to the frame of your home. Rather than taking this chance, it's safer to have a professional install it properly.
In addition, improper installation can void the siding manufacturer's warranty.
Adding or replacing windows
Specialized tools and methods are required to properly install new windows to make sure they are well insulated and secure. While it can be costly, a professional can ensure that you'll be comfortable in your home for years to come.
In addition, improper installation can void the window manufacturer's warranty.
Creating an outdoor kitchen
We're the first to admit outdoor kitchens are fantastic, but attempting to put one in yourself could be disastrous. It might seem easy enough (a little flooring and a grill-station) but you could end up with a half-finished patio and plumbing gone awry. So while it might be tempting to build one in your backyard, ask yourself if you'll really use the kitchen year-round...and then, of course, call in a pro.
Repairing an above-ground pool
While we're sure most people wouldn't attempt to tackle a project like this on their own, we figure we should mention that it would be extremely dangerous to make these repairs. All it takes is one loose piece of siding, and the entire pool could collapse.
Pinterest and Cable TV make us all think we can be DIY superstars, but there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Homeowners can take pride in doing several smaller home improvement projects, especially the ones that are strictly cosmetic. However, if the renovation project affects the structure of your home or could put your safety and your home's value in jeopardy, it's best to leave those for the skilled professionals. Not sure how to know if you should take on a DIY home improvement project or not? Check out the list of the 7 signals to watch for when deciding whether or not to DIY.
Sources:
moneytalknews.com, "7 Reasons to Back Away From DIY Home Improvement Projects," by Maryalene LaPonsie, April 22, 2015.
huffingtonpost.com, "10 Home Projects You Should Not DIY... Unless You're A Professional," April 15, 2015