Five Home Improvement Projects You Should Never DIY
If you own a home, you’ve probably tackled a DIY project before. When things go well, it’s a wonderful feeling; but if you’re halfway through a project and realize you’re in over your head, positive feelings can quickly turn to dread.
There are certain DIY projects anyone can do with the most basic set of tools: Fixing a running toilet, painting an interior room, and putting up shelving, to name a few. But there are some projects best left to the professionals.
1. Anything but the most basic electrical projects. We’re not just talking about changing a lightbulb or installing a dimmer switch. We’re talking about any project that requires switching off breakers or removing fuses. The simple reason is there’s a risk of electrocution — that you could be hurt or even killed if you inadvertently touch a live wire. But there’s also the lurking danger of a short that could cause a fire sometime in the future. So, if you’re thinking about wiring or rewiring, it’s best to call an electrical contractor.
2. Anything but the most basic plumbing projects. We mentioned a running toilet earlier. That’s something you should be able to fix on your own. A leaky faucet is also a relatively simple repair for the average homeowner. When it comes to adding new plumbing fixtures or replacing pipes, even the slightest mistake can result in leaks that could lead to serious issues. Let’s not forget that where there’s moisture, there’s always the danger of mold. A successful plumbing project requires the kind of experience you don’t get from simply watching a couple of YouTube videos.
3. Taking down a tree. You’ve got a chainsaw. You’ve cut up firewood. You may have even climbed a ladder and trimmed a few low-hanging limbs. But if you’re thinking of felling an entire tree, you need to call a certified arborist. They can determine if your tree needs to be removed or if it can be saved. If they recommend removal, they’ll be able to do it without damaging your property or your neighbor’s. Most people have trouble “eyeballing” the height of a tree, and it’s common to misjudge and accidentally drop one right onto a neighbor’s roof or car.
4. Window or skylight replacement. This is another project where you might watch a couple of tutorial videos and say, “How hard can it be?” The answer is “pretty hard, actually.” That’s because windows must seal out cold and warm air to keep your utility bills as low as possible. More importantly, windows — and skylights, especially — need to keep out rain and other inclement weather. A poorly installed window or skylight can lead to higher energy bills and leaks that cause floorboards to rot and mold to spread.
5. Foundation repairs. This is a biggie. If your home has sagging or gapping floors, you may be tempted to head down to the basement with some shims or, worse, a bottle jack and some 2x4s, with the notion of shoring up the floor joists. Take it from us: don’t. This is your home we’re talking about. Your family. Your stuff. Your adorable labradoodle, Mabel. Everything you love rests on your home’s foundation. Fixing it yourself would be like… performing surgery on yourself instead of going to a doctor. If it goes
wrong (and it’ll likely go wrong), it can be catastrophic. The best bet is to call a foundation repair contractor. Don’t just call a general contractor or handyman here. You need a real expert to inspect your home and tell you exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. An experienced foundation contractor will save you a lot of aggravation and stress and prevent you from losing a big chunk of the proceeds when it comes time to sell your home.
So, yes, do the little projects around the house you can handle yourself. Maybe even graduate to
slightly larger ones as you grow more confident, and your toolbox grows fuller. But leave the big projects to the pros — especially anything foundation-related. By the way, this goes double if you’re considering tackling a home improvement project with your spouse or partner. Nothing will strain a relationship to the breaking point more than a good old-fashioned DIY home improvement project!
