These Home Repairs Should Definitely Be Avoided for DIY Projects
Most homeowners will agree that there’s a certain pride in “doing it yourself”. Whether it’s adding some new wallpaper, repainting the facade, or adding some new carpets, these personal touches are what truly make your house a home. Of course, there are some household projects that simply shouldn’t be undertaken alone - and, in most cases, should really just be left for the professionals, period.
Solar Panel Installation
If you want to make the move towards more sustainable energy sources, solar paneling is often one of the best places to start. Of course, you can’t just slap them onto your roof and expect them to work - installation is a fairly long and complicated process.
Foundation Repairs
The structural integrity of any house or building begins with its foundations. Of course, not every builder or architect gets the memo, leading to the occasional foundational issue that causes no end of grief. Trust us, though - you don’t want to attempt to correct them yourself. Any miscalculation or incorrect leveling can actually worsen the problem.
Running New Electrical Circuits
On the other hand, if you want to add to your house’s wiring, you’re still better off hiring a qualified professional. New circuits not only require specific permits to implement, but they’re also highly dependent on pinpoint load calculations.
Wall Removal
When you’ve lived in a house for a long time, you may eventually want to change some things - add a wing or two, or expand certain rooms - which could necessitate having to remove some walls. This task, however, requires more than just a sledgehammer - removing the wrong wall and in the wrong way can cause certain parts of your house to completely collapse.
Chimney Repairs
Though few houses built nowadays actually have one, a chimney can add plenty of charm to your house’s visage, as well as serve a real function. If yours is in need of repairs, however, you’ll want to consult the experts - masonry, flue alignment, and height regulations are all crucial, and any errors could cause a carbon monoxide leak or even a fire.
Main Electrical Panel
Your house’s main electrical panel is essentially the beating heart of your property, responsible for directing electricity where it’s needed. Of course, they’re not immune to problems and may even need to be replaced, but you don’t want to attempt this yourself. The process involves live electricity and coordination with utility companies - any mistakes can be lethal.
Basement Waterproofing
If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, it’s probably been victim to its fair share of moisture and mold. If you’re considering waterproofing your basement, however, take our advice and speak to a professional - it’s a long process that requires excavation, drainage systems, and sealing, and poor work can lead to even more water damage.
Installing or Replacing a Furnace
Your home’s furnace is one of its most crucial utilities, responsible for producing and distributing heat throughout your property. Installing or replacing a furnace isn’t as easy as building a LEGO set, though, and requires a qualified professional to mitigate the risk of gas leakage.
Rewiring
If you find that your lights or other appliances are switching off randomly, this could be an indication of a wiring issue somewhere in your house. Rather than trying to fix it yourself, though, it’s always best to speak to a professional since the process is highly dangerous - any errors could cause a fire, or insurance denials.
Installing Central AC Systems
Come summer or winter, having a central AC system in your home can help you survive those hot days or cold nights. However, actually getting one properly installed requires the help of a certified professional with an EPA certification for refrigerant handling.
Electrical Code Upgrades
Whether your home has outdated wiring or electrical systems, or your power needs are simply more demanding, there may come a time when you will need to upgrade your electrical code. Building codes change frequently, but hiring a professional will ensure that your home passes inspection and complies with local standards.
Thermostat Wiring for Smart Systems
Compared to some of the other utilities and appliances we’ve mentioned so far, working on a thermostat may seem like a much simpler task. It seems easy, sure, but wiring the wrong voltage or system type can actually fry your HVAC components.
Ductwork Modifications
Of course, if you already have an AC system, you may feel the need to change some of the ductwork to make the airflow more efficient. This is far from an easy fix, however, and any errors can actually reduce efficiency, while also increasing the likelihood of mold and leaks.
Gas Line Work
Any appliance that uses natural gas as a fuel source (like stoves, furnaces, and water heaters) is connected to a gas line. And if yours is in need of repairs, call a professional immediately. A shoddy gas line is a dangerous hazard in and of itself, and you definitely don’t want to do any of the work yourself.
Main Sewer Line Replacement
Your house’s sewage is connected to the main sewer line, a system of pipes that isn’t immune to acting up. If yours is in need of replacement, you’ll need a full team of professionals to help you out due to the amount of excavation work required, not to mention the slope calculations and city permits.
Moving Plumbing Lines
Also called water supply lines, plumbing lines are responsible for moving water all throughout your home. If, for whatever reason, you would like to adjust them, it’s not a task that you should undertake alone, since any mistakes can cause leaks, while the process itself requires directly cutting into your home’s structure.
Shower Pan Installation
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a shower pan is basically the part of the shower that you stand on, which also channels the water into the drain. Installing one of these is actually more complicated than you may think since it involves perfect slope calculations, where any errors can cause water damage or rot.
Generator Transfer Switch
Having a generator can be a huge boon, especially if you live in an area that experiences the occasional blackout. Getting it up and running, however, involves a lot more than just hooking it up to your home’s electrical system - it requires direct coordination with utility workers in order to sync it up to the utility grid, something you won’t be able to manage by yourself.
Lead Paint Removal
Similar to asbestos, lead paint was widely used before being phased out, but it is still found in many homes. And just like that other toxic substance, removing it should only be done by a qualified professional.
Backflow Preventer Installation
A backflow preventer is essentially a little valve that ensures water only travels in one direction, preventing contaminated water from flowing backwards. It’s an essential plumbing component, one that demands expertise to install properly.
Fireplace Installation or Conversion
A fireplace can make your home feel that much cozier and more inviting, even when it’s not burning. Of course, adding one requires proper ventilation, gas line work, and extensive fireproofing - any mistakes could be fatal.
Water Heater Installation
If you need to install a brand new water heater, you’ll need to make use of a professional’s services. It’s a complicated task that involves electricity, gas, pressure relief, and ventilation, all of which are dangerous to work with. Mistakes can easily cause explosions.
Installing a Range Hood
Range hoods are a crucial part of any kitchen with a stove, responsible for removing smoke and other contaminants. Installing one of these requires vent-work, ducting through walls and ceilings, cutting, and sealing, none of which is really possible for an over-the-weekend DIY project.
Dryer Vent
Your dryer’s vent is responsible for putting all that hot, moist air and lint outside the home. It’s not only crucial for your dryer’s functionality, but for your safety as well. Therefore, installing or repairing one of these requires an expert eye, since improper ventilation can cause a buildup of lint and eventually a fire.
Full Roof Replacement
Just in case you had a mind to retile or completely replace your house’s roof, here’s our advice: don’t, at least not without a team of experts to help out. There’s always the risk of falling, sure, but you will also need to consider the insurance issues you may have if the job isn’t properly done.
Structural Deck Construction
Structural decks make up the foundation of both floors and roofs. They’re an essential part of any home, and shouldn’t be worked on lightly since they require pinpoint load calculations and anchoring.
Siding Replacement
Siding is the protective material that goes onto the exterior walls of your house, protecting it from the elements. It typically takes the form of either vinyl or fiber cement and requires proper installation. Any errors could negatively affect your home’s insulation and allow moisture to intrude.
Window Installations
Compared to everything else on this list, you may think that knocking a hole in the wall and calling it a window is easy. Unfortunately, this is another one of those jobs that requires more effort than you might think, especially since improper sealing and leveling can cause structural issues.
Gutter System Installation
Your house’s gutter isn’t just for collecting dead leaves, you know. It’s responsible for collecting rainwater and preventing water damage to your roof. You’ll want to ensure that it’s installed properly since any errors can lead to drainage issues and foundation problems.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
As anyone with a hardwood floor will tell you, it’s pretty, but it requires plenty of upkeep. Refinishing yours can actually be done solo, but for novices, we’d recommend sticking with the professionals since many DIY jobs can lead to an uneven finish or gouges.
Asbestos Removal
Believe it or not, asbestos used to be a crucial component in the construction of houses before being banned. It’s a naturally occurring toxin, however, meaning it can crop up from time to time. If this is the case for you, always - and we mean always - consult a professional for its removal.
Installing Tiles
If you’re unhappy with your current floor tiles and are seeking a change, it’s best to have a professional help you out. While it’s not the most complicated task, uneven or unlevel floors can cause the tiles to crack and shift.
Home Automation Integration
Finally, if you’re a future-forward thinker and want your home to become the next technological marvel, automation is the way to go. Of course, these systems are very clever - and also, very intricate. They definitely require a professional’s insight.
Insulating With Spray Foam
Spray foam is one of the most commonly used forms of insulation. It’s simple, on paper, but there’s a real art to applying the stuff that only a real professional is capable of, especially since over-expansion can damage your house’s walls.
Security System Wiring
Your home security system is made up of all sorts of wires that connect every device together. While it’s something you can learn to maintain yourself if you have a head for this sort of technology, you’ll want to call on the help of a professional otherwise.
