Do you love do it yourself (DIY) home renovation projects? Do you always watch home improvement shows on HGTV or watch home project videos on YouTube? Then you probably feel like you’re ready to start your own DIY home renovation project.
Do it yourself home renovation projects are a great way to save some money, but knowing when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional to do the job is not an easy decision for many homeowners. Difficulty of the job, permit requirements, safety concerns, renovation costs, and time required to do the job should be considered before you start any DIY home renovations. You should ask yourself, do I have the experience and the professional skills to attempt this job by myself?
Here is a list of home renovation projects that you shouldn’t attempt by yourself:
Electrical Work
Electrical work is complicated and dangerous. Without proper training and experience you could easily get an electric shock, cause a fire or seriously injure yourself. That’s why it is best to have electrical work done by a professional electrician, especially in dangerous spaces such as a bathroom, where the presence of water can make the job even more dangerous.
Asbestos and Mold Removal
Asbestos can be found in drywall mud, stipple ceilings, stucco, and siding. It is dangerous to remove asbestos & toxic mold without wearing a hazardous materials suit and without proper training. If you discover asbestos or mold, contact a professional before you begin your renovations because breathing in asbestos or mold can cause serious health issues.
Removing walls and structural changes
Removing walls to create a larger space is always risky to do on your own. You could easily damage electrical wires, gas pipes and plumbing behind walls and create structural issues in your home. You should hire a licensed contractor who has a good understanding of residential structural design and building code requirements for this job.
Installing windows
Inappropriate window installation can result in moisture and water leakage issues, which can lead to damage and required repairs for your home. Improper window installation can also lead to air leakage from your windows causing your heating and air conditioning systems to be less efficient in both winter and summer.
Natural Stone Installation
When it comes to natural stone installation it’s best to get a professional to do the measurements and installation, whether you are installing new countertops or tile of natural stone (granite, marble). Natural stone is expensive, and measuring and installation mistakes can be too costly to make it worth doing yourself.
Bathroom and Kitchen Plumbing Renovations
Bathroom and kitchen renovations that don’t involve moving plumbing pipes can be done yourself, but you should hire a professional plumber if you are trying to modify your home plumbing system. Plumbing that is not properly installed and tested can lead to expensive to repair water and mold damage in your home.
Roof Repairs
Roof replacements should always be left to experienced roofing professionals. Roof repairs require strength, good balance, and dexterity. Without proper training and experience you could easily fall from your roof and seriously injure yourself. Improper roof repairs can lead to a leaky roof and expensive water damage to your home.
Building a deck
Building a deck requires a good understanding of home building structural design. An experienced deck builder should build decks that will be located on a steep slope or will be more than 4 feet off the ground. Decks will collapse and cause serious injuries if they are not properly built and attached to a home.
Do it yourself home renovations offer a great opportunity to save money but not all home improvements can be done without a professional contractor. Doing home renovation projects yourself will save you money, but paying a professional will result in better work being done in a shorter period of time. When it comes to home improvements and renovations it is hard to know when to hire a professional contractor and when to simply do it yourself. Remember to always consider your level of expertise, difficulty of the job, permit requirements, safety, and renovation costs before deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a professional contractor.
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