Home Improvement
We are in the age of DIY. Because of websites like YouTube and Pinterest, it’s easier than ever to find instructions on how to do anything from nail art to re-tiling a floor.
However, there are some projects that should really be undertaken by a professional-namely, home improvement projects. There’s nothing wrong with sprucing up a room with a fresh coat of paint or a new carpet.
However, some projects (when DIY-ed) can end up costing you big time. Here are some home improvement projects that are best left to the professionals.
plumbing
1. Major plumbing work
Fixing a leaky faucet is no problem, but any troubles bigger than that should be fixed by a professional. Attempting to fix your plumbing on your own could make the problem worse, or create new ones.
This also means you shouldn’t DIY any renovations in rooms that have a lot of plumbing in them, like a bathroom or kitchen.
2. Any electrical work
Messing up electrical repairs can cause major problems for you and your home. Replacing a light fixture is one thing, but replacing a circuit board is a whole other ball game. Even professionals approach electrical work with extreme caution, so it’s best to leave it to them.
3. Structural changes
While it seems easy enough to knock down a wall, it can be hard to tell how important that wall is. It may be load-bearing, or it could have important wiring inside.
A contractor will be able to determine which walls are safe to remove and will be able to remove them without damaging other parts of your home.
Windows
4. Window replacements
Windows increase curb appeal and they make the inside of your home look better by letting in natural light. They can also increase the energy efficiency of your home (or decrease it if they are not installed properly).
Windows that aren’t properly sealed will make your heating and cooling work much harder than they need to.
5. Roof repairs and replacement
Your roof is arguably one of the most important parts of your house. It provides protection and enhances the look of your home. Problems with your roof can be very expensive, so it’s tempting to do it yourself.
However, if the repair or replacement is done wrong, you’re either right where you were before or you’re worse off. Most homeowners don’t have the roofing equipment that professionals do.
This means their attempt at repairs is not going to be as high quality as a professional’s. It’s also dangerous to climb up on your roof without the correct safety equipment.
DIY
Although it can be tempting to try to save money by undertaking home improvement projects by yourself, the cost of fixing a failed repair job is often times more expensive than the original repairs would have been.
Not only that, it can be extremely dangerous. When your home needs repair, learning more about the process is always advisable, but nothing can replace the years of experience a professional will have.
