13 DIY Projects You Should Never Attempt Without a Professional
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Painting a wall or creating a new coffee table may be rewarding when you roll up your sleeves, but not all home projects can be properly carried out with the quick ‘how to’ online guide. In fact, some DIY tasks are risky and need the skill of a professional to get completed safely and correctly. Without proper training, trying to do them can be expensive, dangerous, or even worse, a trip to the ER.
These projects require specialized skills, have regulations or safety concerns that are beyond the scope of what most of us can handle. Here they are.
Tree Removal
While you may think that all it takes to cut a tree down is a saw and some elbow grease, you’re wrong, tree removal is a specialized field. Trees are heavy, unpredictable, and can fall in unintended directions, doing serious damage to property or injuring anyone nearby. Arborists who are professionally trained, and equipped with the right tools can safely and cleanly remove trees, without damaging your home or landscaping.
Gas Line Repairs
Don’t mess with gas lines. In the case you suspect a gas leak, or if you need to repair or install gas appliances, make sure you call an accredited gas technician. The smallest error can result in a dangerous leak which can lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas lines have to be handled with specialized knowledge and equipment, and you don’t want to be the one to try to learn on the fly while watching a YouTube video.
Structural Modifications
It might seem like a simple job: removing walls, but it can be a dangerous business. Some walls are load bearing, they support your home’s weight. If we take one down and don’t know what it does, we could have thousands of dollars worth of structural damage or even a partial collapse. An architect or structural engineer can tell you if a wall is safe to remove to save you from disastrous consequences and future headaches.
Roof Repairs and Replacement
It seems easy to get up on the roof and replace a few shingles, but roof work is more complex and risky than you think. Experience with heights, knowledge of structural support, and understanding of waterproofing are the three basic requirements to roofing. A DIY attempt could lead to a leak, water damage or worse, a fall. It’s safe and effective to hire professionals because they have the right equipment and expertise.
Plumbing Overhauls
One thing is fixing a leaky faucet, another thing is starting a major plumbing overhaul. DIY plumbing projects often create more leaks, water damage, and more costly repairs than anyone expected. A licensed plumber has the skills to do major tasks like re-routing pipes, replacing sewer lines or installing new water fixtures. By getting it right the first time, a professional will avoid future problems and unexpected flooding.
Installing a New HVAC System
Installing a heating, ventilation or air conditioning system is a large and dangerous job. Proper regulation of HVAC installation is good for a reason; improper setup can lead to poor air quality, subpar energy efficiency, or even fire. Certified HVAC technicians understand how to set everything up safely and get the most out of your equipment.
Electrical Wiring
Electricity is risky business. One of the top causes of house fires is DIY electrical work. Even a little mistake can be catastrophic in a blink of an eye. If you’re doing anything from installing new outlets, wiring a ceiling fan, to major rewiring, it’s always best to leave it to a licensed electrician. They’re trained to do it right, and to follow necessary codes and safety standards to keep your home (and you) safe.
Window Replacement
Old windows are something which sounds simple enough to swap out, but it takes a lot of precision work and a lot of proper tools for it to be done right. A poorly installed window will cause drafts, water damage, and possibly structural problems over time. Window professionals know the ins and outs of the proper sealing, alignment and insulation, so your windows will be both energy efficient and secure.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos was used in construction and is a hazardous material, so it is not something you want to remove yourself. Asbestos can be removed by DIY, but releases toxic fibers into the air, putting you and your family at serious health risk. Asbestos professionals certified in how to remove asbestos know the proper methods and have all the safety equipment to do it properly.
Severe Infestation Pest Control
DIY pest control sprays may work for the ant here or the spider there, but for severe infestations you need professional exterminators. Bed bugs, termites and rodents all need targeted treatments and only licensed specialists can apply them. DIY sprays and traps are simply scratching the surface; pros have powerful, effective solutions to deal with the problem at its core.
Installing a Hot Tub
Though it sounds luxurious, the idea of adding a hot tub is not a plug and play proposition. Each hot tub component must work flawlessly; there is electrical, water and structural components. There can be electrocution hazards or water damage from poor installation. Always stick with hiring the professionals.
Foundation Repairs
You don’t want to do your home’s foundation yourself. The process of foundation repairs is so complex that you need to have serious knowledge of structural engineering and special equipment to perform it correctly. Doing it wrong can aggravate the damage or make your home unsafe. However, through more accurate techniques such as what a professional can access, the true degree of the damage can actually be assessed and your home’s foundation can be stabilized.
Chimney Repairs and Cleaning
It’s vital to keep your chimney clean and in working order, but climbing on your roof to clean or repair a chimney can be very dangerous. In addition, the untrained eye may not notice creosote buildup, or a damaged flue, for instance, which could be a fire hazard. Chimney sweeps and masons who are professional have the tools and the necessary safety knowledge to ensure your chimney does not remain unsafe and fully functional.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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