15 DIY Projects That Could Be Dangerous for Your Family

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DIY projects are fun, they’re cheap, and you get a feel good sense of accomplishment in the end. However, sometimes they can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t do things carefully. Some DIY projects run the risk of causing injury or being dangerous for your family. Before picking your tools and starting up on that new project, it’s a good idea to think about if the risks just don’t outweigh the benefit.

While it’s easy to get swept away in a YouTube tutorial and feel omnipotent, some projects need professional power. Nobody wants a well meaning DIY to end up in an accident. Here are 15 DIY projects that may be much more dangerous for your family than you think, and why you might second-guess whether you should attempt them yourself.

Electrical Wiring

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It’s tricky to make electricity work. It’s easy to make a wrong move, and get a nasty shock, or even an electrical fire. If you’re unfamiliar with wiring, you might think adding a new outlet or swapping out a light fixture isn’t too big of a deal, but you could be doing yourself a disservice. Mistakes cannot be made in electricity, so it is best to let the task be performed by a licensed electrician.

Removing Asbestos

Many older homes had asbestos used for insulation, flooring, as well as other purposes. Disturbing it, however, can release harmful fibers into the air that lead to serious respiratory problems. Asbestos removal is a job only for experts, who have the right protective gear and training. If someone was to try this attempt on your own, without the proper equipment, it could harm your family on a long term health basis.

Knocking Down Walls

If you might be tempted to open up your living space by taking out a wall, just remember not all walls are safe to remove. In your home, load bearing walls are an important part of your structure and knocking one down can cause major structural problems or, worse, even cause collapse. Before you swing a sledgehammer, best to make sure you don’t destroy the house. Discuss with a structural engineer first and ask them to confirm that the wall you’re taking down isn’t holding up the house.

Roof Repairs

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Climbing over a roof, even without much experience, is very risky and might seem like an easy fix but repairing a roof can be tricky. Falls from roofs are one of the most common types of DIY injuries and a minor slip can easily result in an emergency room visit. But more than that, poor work could result in leaks or worse yet added damage, so unless you are experienced, give roofing up to the pros.

Tree Cutting

Cutting down trees is dangerous. Even a small tree can be very serious injury. All this of increases the risk factor, and can even cause the damage to property should things go wrong. It’s smart to hire a professional tree service to avoid accidents.

Chemical Stripping

Often stripping paint or varnish involves harsh chemicals that can hurt your skin, your eyes, and your lungs. If your furnace is older or installed in an inefficient location that traps cold air, you’re also exposing yourself and your family to toxic fumes that can trigger respiratory issues or burn your skin. Before using any chemical strippers, check the safety requirements, and choose safer, eco friendly options.

Gas Appliance Installation

You don’t want to mess with Gas lines or appliances. A small leak of gas from a stove that has not been correctly installed can quickly become dangerous to your family. MIT Technology Review claims that 1% of oil and gas produced end up leaking into the atmosphere. Gas leaks are also a big fire hazard, so unless you’re certified to handle gas lines, leave this one for a professional.

Building a Deck

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Building a deck is a simple project, but if a deck is built poorly, it can be a safety hazard. If the structure is not anchored properly or has no solid foundation, it can collapse under weight, then anyone on it is at risk. If you’re not well versed in building techniques, you’re better off to have deck construction done by a pro.

Installing a Pool

A backyard with a pool is something a lot of us dream of, but don’t try doing it yourself, DIYing a pool comes with hazards. If you’re installing a heated pool, improper installation can make you more prone to leaks, unstable structures, or electrical issues. That’s why it’s best that the installation be done by professionals so as to ensure it’s safe and adheres to code.

Repairing Plumbing

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Did you know plumbing projects are not as easy as they look? One mistake can mean major water damage. If you’re inexperienced, burst pipes, leaks or even sewage backups are common risks. Unless you’re working with main lines or extremely convoluted piping, simple things like clearing a drain are totally ok, but if it’s major work, better to get in the professionals.

Attic Conversions

Turning an attic into a livable space might seem like a fun DIY project, but it’s much more complicated than you think. Your cozy hideaway can quickly become a health hazard due to improper ventilation, lack of (and/or broken down) insulation and structural issues. Attic conversions are a job for the professionals because of building codes and fire safety regulations.

Flooring Installation

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Depending on the type of flooring you want, you will need specific tools and skill to install it well. A poorly installed or an uneven floor creates trip hazards and can start to come apart over time. Other materials may require a specialized underlayment or subfloor as well, and even if you think you are well prepared, flooring is better left to the experts.

Hanging Heavy Fixtures

Heavy fixtures like chandeliers and ceiling fans also need the proper support to stay put. If not anchored properly, they fall crashing down and can injure or break. These are fixtures that often require special mounts or bracing, so if you’re not sure, have an electrician or a contractor do the installation.

Installing Skylights

Installing skylights also brings in lovely natural light, but it’s a big undertaking. A leak or draft caused by a single wrong cut or misaligned frame or a worse case scenario, damage to the roof structure. During installation, there’s also a risk of falling. If you want to avoid mishaps, its best left to somebody with roofing and structural experience.

Taking on Mold Remediation

Mold isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a health hazard. Cleaning your own large areas of mold can actually make the situation worse by dispersing spores all over your home. Removal of mold on a large scale requires protection equipment and specialized techniques, so we recommend you leave this job to professionals that have the tools to do the work in a safe way.

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