If you’ve been a homeowner for a little while, you’ve no doubt had to tackle a few repair projects around the house. In today’s age of YouTube videos and online tutorials, many of us are tackling projects we would have paid a professional to do several years ago. It’s true that doing minor repair and renovation work yourself can not only save you money, but also give you a greater sense of pride in your home. Step-by-step videos are great for showing you how to replace a door or install a ceiling fan, but there are many home repair projects that should always be left to a professional.
Electrical Wiring
Unless you’re a licensed electrician, you should leave any electrical work in your home to a professional. You might think that its as simple as shutting off the electricity in your home and following instructions, but attempting amateur electrical work can endanger you, your family, and your entire electrical system. If you aren’t a trained professional, you don’t know what to look for to make sure everything is working properly before you turn the electricity back on. Any mistakes you make could cause an electric shock injury to yourself, or a fire in your home. Any potential savings are not worth this risk, so always call an electrician when work needs to be done on the wiring in your home.
Removing a Wall
Sure, taking a sledgehammer and knocking down a wall looks like a lot of fun, but how can you be certain that the wall is not load bearing? Do you know for sure that your home’s electrical wiring or water pipes are not enclosed behind that drywall? A licensed contractor has the experience to either just know which walls are integral to your home’s structural stability, or will know how to find out easily without doing permanent damage in the process.
Foundation Issues
Your foundation is the most important part of your home when it comes to structural integrity. If you are having any problems such as sinking or foundation cracks, it is extremely important that you contact a licensed and insured home foundation specialist immediately. Do not attempt to troubleshoot issues yourself. Foundation fixes can be expensive, but only a professional should be trusted with this sort of project.
Floor Replacement
Some flooring projects are OK to attempt on your own, such as a simple switch from carpet to laminate on a concrete foundation. However, bigger projects should be left to the professionals, especially if leveling the floor will be a necessary part of the project. A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to flooring is this – if you will be doing anything beyond top level, cosmetic renovation, hire a flooring company to do the work for you.
Plumbing
Much like electrical projects, plumbing work can be difficult and complicated, and sometimes dangerous to attempt on your own. While a risk of fire and shock may not be big concerns, extensive water damage from an incorrectly installed fixture or improperly connected pipe can cause a problem far larger than the one you started with. Save yourself the stress and worry and call a plumber instead.
It can be very tempting to save a little bit of money by doing a home improvement project yourself, but there are certain projects that should be left to to the professionals.