While DIY projects are a great way to save money and take pride in your home improvements, there are certain tasks that are better left to the experts. In some situations, attempting to tackle these jobs on your own can lead to costly mistakes or even safety hazards. In this article, we look at various home improvement projects where hiring a professional is the smarter, safer choice.
Repairing Gas Appliances
There is a reason gas is made to be easily detectable. It is highly flammable and even with just a little oxygen exposure, it can cause a highly destructive explosion. As soon as you detect any gas in your house, call a professional immediately, and if you can’t find one, call the emergency helpline.
Installing Skylights
When you install skylights, it’s very important to do it right to avoid leaks and damage to your home. You need to make sure they are sealed well and placed correctly on your roof. If not installed correctly, skylights will make your heating and cooling less efficient, which might increase your energy bills.
Tackling Structural Foundation Repairs
Fixing the foundation of a house needs careful work and a good understanding of how soil affects buildings. Professionals use special methods to make sure the foundation is stable and safe. It’s important to notice any signs of foundation problems early. If the foundation isn’t fixed properly, it can lead to serious damage.
Handling Toxic Mold Remediation
Cleaning up mold in your house is more than just washing away what you can see. The New York Times advises to fix the problem, which is usually a leak, to make sure the mold doesn’t come back. Professionals know how to get rid of mold safely and make sure it doesn’t come back.
Removing Load-Bearing Walls
Removing a load-bearing wall can be risky and compromise your home’s structural integrity. Before touching a load-bearing wall, you need a structural engineer’s assessment to let you know if it’s safe. If you live in shared housing, you might even need to obtain permits from the local authorities.
Replacing Electrical Wiring
Handling electrical wiring requires specialized knowledge and tools to avoid dangerous mistakes. The Spruce even says doing your own electrical wiring might be illegal in some states. As an amateur, you can’t fully understand complex electrical circuits and safety standards.
Installing New Plumbing
Plumbing installation mistakes can lead to leaks and severe water damage. Even experts have challenges with correctly sizing and fitting pipes. The risks of mold and structural damage from leaks aren’t worth the little money you’ll save by not hiring a professional plumber.
Applying Chemical Pest Control
Using chemical pest control can pose health risks if not handled correctly. Not only do you need to understand the composition of the pesticide, but you also need to know how to treat it to make it effective and safe. You also need to know the right gear to use to protect your hands and lungs from exposure.
Conducting Major Roof Repairs
Major roof repairs need to be done carefully to make sure your roof lasts a long time. Roofers know to use the right materials and make sure everything is installed correctly. If the roof isn’t balanced right, it could get damaged. Also, the weather in your area matters when planning roof repairs.
Chimney Structures
Changing your chimney needs to be done right to make sure smoke goes out properly and you stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. A well-built chimney keeps the right airflow and makes sure the smoke passage isn’t too narrow or too wide.
Installing Major HVAC Systems
Installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems involves understanding how air moves and how systems work. There are also specific rules and standards that need to be followed when installing HVAC systems. A quick Google search won’t tell you what to look for or what to do if things don’t go according to plan.
Removing Trees Close to Home
Removing trees can be dangerous, especially when close to structures or power lines. If not done carefully, falling branches can damage your property or hurt someone. There are also laws you’ve got to keep in mind when cutting down trees that are on property lines.
Removing Asbestos
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has banned the use of asbestos because of its cancerous properties. The law requires certain precautions to be taken when removing and disposing of asbestos. You need to speak to a professional who understands what they’re doing to protect yourself and your neighbors.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors
The fumes and dust from hardwood floor chemicals can be harmful, so it’s important to handle them safely. You need to sand the floors properly and choose the right type of finish that not only looks good but also lasts a long time. It’s best to call a professional flooring specialist to handle this job.
Upgrading Home Insulation
Upgrading your home’s insulation is important to prevent heat loss and moisture problems. It’s crucial to understand the different types of insulation materials and how they work. Also, this job requires special techniques for energy conservation that will save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
Modifying Doorways and Windows
Modifying doorways and windows must be done with precision to keep the structure of your home stable. You must ensure that the weight is distributed correctly and everything is sealed properly. You also have to consider how it will look and make sure it meets safety standards.
Installing Solar Panels
Solar installations involve more than just placing panels; they require a deep understanding of electrical systems and careful assessment of your roof’s strength. Why not save yourself some time and maybe even some money by hiring someone who understands what they’re doing?
Removing Lead Paint
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the effects of food poisoning include high blood pressure, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and seizures. This is why lead has been banned in most products and why you shouldn’t try to handle it without the necessary expertise.
