16 Situations When DIY Home Repairs Can Be Legally Risky

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Home repairs can feel like a rite of passage for homeowners. Picking up a toolbox, rolling up your sleeves, and tackling a repair project is something satisfying. YouTube tutorials and how to blogs make it seem so simple. And who wants to pay a professional to do something they can do themselves, right? Well, hold your hammer. Not all DIY home repairs are difficult—they can even land you in legal trouble.

From a zoning law you didn’t know existed to a safety hazard you didn’t know you created, some projects have more strings attached than an orchestra. Before you jump head first into your next big home repair, let’s discuss situations where DIY can come with legal consequences.

Roof Repairs

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While it might save a few bucks to climb up onto your roof to fix a leak, it can also void your home insurance if one of your home repair projects goes wrong. Damage caused by improper repairs is off the books for many insurers. Now add potential city permits into the mix, and you could be looking at unexpected legal trouble.

Gas Line Repairs

Installing a new stove or any other project that involves gas lines is a legal minefield. On top of there being local ordinances in place regulating gas work, a single mistake can lead to a gas leak or explosion. According to the National Fire Protection Association, hire certified technicians for any gas connections.

Structural Changes

Do you think about knocking down a wall to create an open concept space? It’s not just swinging a sledgehammer. There could be load bearing walls, electrical wiring, and even asbestos. If you don’t have the proper permits and professional oversight, you could be breaking building codes and potentially putting the stability of your home at risk.

Tree Removal

It might seem harmless to cut down a tree on your property, but not that tree straddling your neighbor’s yard or city property. In many cities, you need a permit to remove a tree, and you can be fined if you don’t get one. Homeowners can be fined thousands of dollars for removing a tree deemed “protected” under local laws. Now, you don’t want that, do you?

Fence Installation

You would think that installing a fence would lead to fewer neighborhood disputes than one would expect. However, property line issues and height restrictions can turn that DIY project a courtroom drama in the making. Double check your property survey and check your local zoning codes before you dig.

Electrical Work

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Online videos often show that it is easy to handle electrical repairs, but it’s more complex—and dangerous—than it seems. Electrical work comes with strict codes in most states and tampering with wiring without a licensed electrician will get you a fine, or worse, a house fire. The Electrical Safety Foundation International says faulty DIY electrical work is one of the leading causes of home fires in the U.S. — stick to changing lightbulbs and leave rewiring to the pros.

Plumbing Modifications

Replacing a faucet? Go ahead. Re-routing pipes? That’s another story. Any mistakes in plumbing systems connect to public water supplies and can result in contaminated water or municipal fines at a great cost. Unlicensed plumbing work is even illegal in some states. Your pipes are more than just metal and PVC — they’re a legal responsibility.

Window Replacements

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Replacing windows is often necessary for insulation and safety, and therefore they require permits. Penalties apply if the energy efficiency standards or safety codes aren’t met. Always refer to an expert for jobs like this so you don’t get in unwarranted trouble.

Deck Building

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Building a deck can add value to your home, but only if it’s done legally. If built improperly, decks can collapse and this would get you in legal troubles. Also, your state may require a permit. A badly built deck is an issue of law and also a safety hazard, so you might want to skip DIY totally on this one.

HVAC Repairs

A heating and cooling system is an important part of your home’s infrastructure. Warranties can be voided, the system can be damaged and even carbon monoxide can leak out when you try to do DIY repairs. Also, HVAC systems must be kept compliant with local codes and this requires certified technicians.

Asbestos Removal

If your home was built prior to the 1980s, then there is a good chance that asbestos is hiding somewhere. Taking it out without professional help isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal in many states. Asbestos can be mismanaged leading to severe fines and health risks.

Septic System Repairs

Playing around with your septic system can result in environmentally damaging contamination and legal trouble. Septic repairs require inspection and permit from most states to avoid groundwater pollution. It’s dirty work that is best done by a professional.

Garage Conversions

Converting your garage into a living space may seem like a good idea, but it will probably require a permit and zoning laws. Failing to comply may see you fined, or, at worst, coerced into undoing all your hard work.

Adding Solar Panels

Solar panels are an eco friendly installation, but many DIY projects violate local laws or void manufacturer warranties. For example, in some places you need licensed professionals to carry out the installation.

Swimming Pool Installation

Backyard pools are a dream until you forget to get permits. Improper installation may result in violation of zoning laws, and you may be subject to fines or forced removal. Fencing, and pools drainage systems are strictly regulated for safety.

Installing Appliances

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Dishwashers or ovens, for example, are high tech appliances that often have electrical or plumbing connections that must meet local code. Missing the professional install will void warranties and cause other unforeseen legal headaches.

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