Conquering a home improvement task alone can give you a feeling of accomplishment. Whether a big or small project, you may want to DIY to save cash and develop a new skill. However, there are certain tasks that you should avoid doing yourself, as they may be dangerous or require specific technical knowledge to complete properly.
Below are six home improvement tasks you should leave to the pros.
1. Home Extensions and Structural Works
Adding an extension to your home isn’t as simple as it seems. The process requires laying the foundation, plumbing, and ensuring the installation of electrical and gas systems. In some situations, you may even need to knock down walls, which, if not done properly, could compromise the stability of the entire home structure.
2. Repair or Replacement of Electrical Systems
Whether mounting new cables or fixing a problematic circuit, you should avoid working on electrical systems if you lack expertise. All these tasks should be left to qualified electricians, as electricity projects can lead to a fire in your home without the proper knowledge and training.
3. Replacing Plumbing
Old homes frequently require replacing plumbing systems, while new homes often face plumbing issues such as clogged sinks and toilets. You can unclog a sink or toilet yourself; however, problems like an unidentified leak or burst pipes should be left to the pros. The plumbing process involves a fragile network of pipes that must be installed precisely for proper functioning.
4. Installing a Gas-Fueled Appliance
The installation of gas-fuelled appliances, such as an oven, water heater, and clothing dryer, must be installed correctly. This should be done to ensure the gas lines are safe and there are no leaks, which will help avoid gas buildup in your home. But you can only do it when you clearly understand what you’re doing and how to check for gas leaks. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to do it instead.
5. Painting Your Home’s Exterior
Painting is one of the most common DIY home improvement projects. However, it is only safe when you are doing the painting at ground level. If the painting goes beyond the ground level, it should be done by a professional painter with the equipment needed to reach elevated spaces, such as extension ladders.
6. Tree Removal
If you must remove trees from your property, think twice before chopping them down yourself. An experienced landscaper will know how to cut down a tree without it falling on your home or doing significant damage.
Hire professionals for complex home improvement projects to complete the job safely and correctly. Someone with experience will also know the local home safety codes and regulations, which, if not followed, could result in a penalty or fine.