15 Areas of Home Repair Where DIY Is Discouraged

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Many people are inclined to do home repairs themselves when it comes to home maintenance. Who doesn’t like a DIY project that’s cost effective, satisfying and even fun? In reality, sometimes it’s not just a wrench you need, but someone with specific years of training and experience. Sometimes doing it yourself with a small problem could wind up turning into a big headache—or a full blown disaster.

The internet is full of tutorials for nearly everything, but not every repair is the same. There are some tasks that cannot be done by a homeowner, simply because of the heavy commitment that is required to complete them, and the possibility that mistakes could lead to safety risks, code violations, or a hefty repair bill down the road. Here are a few of them.

Roof Repairs

Getting up on your roof may seem simple, but this can turn into a very dangerous situation if you fall or install your shingles improperly. Moreover, roof repair needs to be done by a professional to make sure the roof does not leak. A roofer is just the person you need to hire to keep your home dry and you safe on the ground where you belong.

Foundation Repairs

Cracks are only one part of foundation issues, but it affects the stability of your whole home. Patching things up yourself might mask the issue for a short term, but it won’t solve the root cause. To stabilize and assess your foundation, professionals will use specialized equipment so that your home doesn’t look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Gas Line Work

DIY is a big no no when it comes to anything with gas lines. Gas leaks or explosions are possible if not handled properly. If you have any gas line or appliance problem, then call a licensed professional immediately. It’s just not worth the risk.

HVAC System Repairs

Costly Air Conditioning Mistakes That Are Draining Your Wallet — Photo Credit: LasVegasHVAC’/Flickr

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is more complex than you realize. Without proper training, you may end up trying to repair or install parts in a way that is inefficient, which will cause break downs, or can be harmful. Also, if you mess with your HVAC systems, you void warranties and may have to pay for expensive replacement parts.

Asbestos or Mold Removal

In older homes, chances are that asbestos (a hazardous material) may have been used in your home before the 1980s. If not removed properly, this material and mold can cause respiratory issues. These dangers are removed from your home safely and thoroughly using safety equipment and industry techniques by professionals.

Structural Changes

If you’re considering knocking down a wall to open up your space, here are some things to think about. Be careful! There are some walls that are load bearing, that means they take the weight of your house. To remove them without professional guidance could cause your ceiling to collapse. Moreover, who knows your home better than architects and contractors when it comes to reconfiguring your home layout?

Tree Removal

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Cutting down a tree might be easy, but it can easily go badly. A falling branch could damage your home—or worse, injure someone—and trees are heavy and unpredictable. Tree removal is something that arborists are well equipped to handle safely and proficiently.

Refrigerant Appliance Repairs

Refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioners are possible pollutants to the Earth if not handled thoroughly. These substances require special certification to handle on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency. If your fridge or AC stops working, it’s time to call the pros.

Chimney Cleaning and Repair

Over time, chimneys can pick up dangerous creosote, which is highly flammable. In addition to this, structural issues such as cracks also allow smoke to seep into your home. Chimney sweeps and masons are professionals who have the tools and expertise to keep your chimney safe and to function properly.

Electrical Wiring Repairs

Electricity is not to be messed with. Make one wrong move and you may find yourself with a nasty injury, or even a house fire. The National Fire Protection Association said faulty electrical systems lead, on average, to 46,000 home fires each year in the U.S. If your lights are flickering and your outlets are sparking, you’ll be better off letting a licensed electrician take care of the job. They know how to do it safely and to code.

Plumbing Overhauls

A leaky faucet? You can probably fix that, right? For more complicated repairs, like replacing pipes or fixing water heaters, you’re getting into murky waters … literally. Just one mistake can cause flooding or water damage, or even mold. The best thing about it is that you can hire a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the issue, so that you need not worry about any kind of water related woes.

Pool Repairs

Believe me, your pool’s pumps, heaters, and filtration systems are a whole lot more complex than they appear. You could end up with a green, murky mess—or an electrical hazard with one wrong move. You need your pool technician to diagnose and fix the problem to keep your backyard oasis in top shape.

Pest Control

Well-Intentioned Inventions That Ended Up Causing More Harm Than Good — Image Credit: Dinuka Gunawardana/Pexels

Termites, rodents or other pests can become a nightmare very quickly. The over the counter solutions that you buy will not be solving the root of the problem, which means you will have a recurring infestation. Expert pest control agents can find the source and offer effective long term solutions.

Window Installation

Drafts, water leaks or security risk can result from improperly installed windows. A professional installer will make sure that your windows fit perfectly and seal properly to protect your home from the elements and break ins.

Septic System Repairs

Home Repairs That Are Illegal for DIYers — Image Credit: Kaliantye/123rf

Your septic system is a very important part of your home infrastructure and repairing it needs to be done with knowledge of plumbing and waste management. It can leak, back up or contaminate if you attempt a DIY. Let specialists with experience in these systems leave this job to them.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.