Do you think of yourself as a savvy DIY-er? Someone who can tackle any house issue with duct tape and a quick online search? Sure, a leaky faucet or broken doorbell are tasks any homeowner can figure out a fix for on their own, but there are certain jobs that are better left to the professionals, no matter your level of DIY expertise. Save yourself the trouble and avoid DIY-ing these jobs.
1. Extensive Plumbing
Sure that leaky kitchen sink was easy enough to fix on your own, but are you prepared to handle pipes full of tree roots? Probably not. When it comes to major plumbing jobs (think anything that involves rerouting pipes) it’s best to call in a professional. Many people do not want to hire a plumber because they think it will be too expensive and they can save money with a quick online search for instructions. Not only will this end up costing you more, you could put yourself and your home at risk of bigger damages. You don’t want to be the person who ends up flooding their basement because they thought they could fix a major plumbing issue themselves. Be smart and safe and hire a plumber when you need one.
2. Electrical
The same rules in plumbing apply to electrical work DIYs. While smaller jobs are easy enough to handle on your own (if you know what you’re doing), bigger jobs can go wrong fast if you attempt to DIY. Shocks, sparks, and fires can all be the result of a home electrical job gone wrong. If your project requires significant rewiring work, be sure to hire a professional electrician to take care of it. Spend the extra money and save yourself the risk of accidentally electrocuting yourself or burning your home down.
3. Roofing
There are many reasons roofs are so expensive. They’re time-consuming, labour-intensive, and dangerous to install or repair. Installing a roof incorrectly can cause issues for your entire home. From structural issues to weather damage, our roofs go through a lot. While you can save money fixing a shingle or two by yourself (only if you’re comfortable in your skills and can handle heights), it’s always better to call in a team of professionals who know what they’re doing up there.
4. Structural Changes
The open concept look has been popular for many years and it’s no surprise that many homeowners are looking to open up their traditional sectioned off homes. While we love the open concept look as much as anyone else, achieving it on your own is a very dangerous idea. Do not attempt to knock down load-bearing walls by yourself. Doing so can put your entire home at risk. Even if you think you’re sure a wall isn’t load bearing, it will still contain water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, and/or ductwork. There’s a lot more at risk than just a more open space. If you want to change the structure of your home, hire a professional who knows exactly what they’re doing and how to do it.
5. Stairs
Another integral part of the home, stairs can also serve as an architectural or design piece. If you’re looking to update the look of your stairs, it’s important you hire a specialist to do this. Do not attempt to remove or add your own stairs, especially if you think you can get creative with the design. Stairs should be properly measured and fit to your home by a professional. Not uncle Joe who read an article about stair design 10 years ago. Do not put yourself or loved ones at risk, spend the money on a proper stair professional.
6. Tree Removal
Trees are beautiful and provide us shade, but they are not easy to remove on your own. Think about how much damage tree branches cause when they fall after a large thunderstorm. Now think about that dead tree in your backyard falling on your house because you decided it was time to get rid of it yourself. Save yourself the danger and excessive damage and call in a professional tree removal service if you have any trees that need removal on your property.
7. Installing Windows
If you’re thinking about installing your own windows, we really encourage you to think again. Installing a window requires you first remove the old one, then cutting a hole in your home to make sure the new window fits, and then making sure it’s securely in there. If the window isn’t installed properly, it could fall out and seriously injure or potentially kill anyone walking by. Safety should always come first, and when it comes to your windows, don’t compromise safety to save some money. Have a professional company install your new windows.
8. New Exterior Siding
Think about it — is this a project you really want to handle by yourself? Even a small home is still a huge task when you think about how much time and labour will be involved in replacing all of the siding. If your project requires a touch-up or a small replacement, you might be able to handle it if your DIY skills are strong and you have experience working with siding. Anything more than a patch job should be handled by a professional. It will look better and you’ll be glad you made the investment.
9. HVAC Systems
Too hot? Too cold? Too much work for you to DIY. Trust us on this one, HVAC systems are complex and require much more than watching a YouTube video to figure out. If you’re concerned your system isn’t working as it should, it’s worth it to call in a professional to take a look. Many HVAC companies provide check-ups and maintenance in their plans. If yours does, be sure to use it. If not, it’s worth it to spend the extra money and have the situation resolved. The only thing worse than your AC breaking down on a hot day is having no AC and a disastrous DIY on your hands.
10. Basement Finishing
Who wouldn’t love to have a completely finished basement in their home? There’s a reason many homes have partial or unfinished basements — the cost. There’s a lot involved in finishing a basement which is why the cost associated with it is so high. Before you even attempt thinking about a DIY, check out a couple of HomeStars profiles first. Hiring a professional to do it right the first time will save your time and sanity. While it’s an expensive renovation, the end results will be worth it.
Save the DIYs for crafts with your kids and art projects. If you’re considering having any major or dangerous work done in your home, it’s always best to have a professional complete it. While your savings may take a hit, it’s better to spend the money and do it right the first time, than ending up with a costly DIY disaster of a home. When you need a home professional for any job big or small, start on HomeStars and find the pro you need to get the job done. Happy renovating!
