Home DIY is on the rise, and recent surveys suggest that around two-thirds of all home projects being undertaken are done solely without the help of professional services.
While this may be great for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike, the ease with which people can attempt a wide range of tasks around the home will undoubtedly lead to a downturn in the services and construction trade. The main cause for people choosing to DIY a repair or renovation is always the cost. It can be pricey to call in the professionals, but this is for a good reason.
When you hire a contractor, you are paying for the training and expertise in that specific area. Sure, you might be able to do the job yourself, but sometimes, just because you can doesn’t mean you should, and the experts will have a greater knowledge and skill set and know the best course of action. Add to this that some tasks can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if carried out wrong, and the risk will quickly outweigh the benefits.
With this in mind, which jobs should you 100% leave to the professionals and save the DIY efforts to something else?
Roof
Fixing damage to your roof can be dangerous. Due to the height and sloping of house roofs, it is always better to leave bigger tasks to the professionals. If you have to clear your gutters or remove debris from your roof and are competent in working at heights, then smaller jobs such as these are perfect to be carried out yourself.
However, for bigger tasks, including locating leaks externally, finding missing or damaged tilling or slate, along with full roof repairs, you should always consult professional roofers. Not to mention that many home insurances can be invalidated if your roof is in a poor state of repair due to botched DIY repairs failure to address issues.
Landscaping
Many people do amazing jobs with their gardens, and with a bit of sweat equity, they can produce outstanding results. However, this all depends on your competency levels and the time you are able to dedicate to the project.
Bigger jobs such as replacing large expanses of lawn with an artificial grass installation can be a lot of work. You want to make sure that it is laid correctly to avoid it looking worn and messy within a few months or needing relaying all over again.
There is a specific process involved in laying artificial grass, and to get the best results, you should really consider an artificial grass installation service.
Gas Connections
Gas is a highly flammable substance, and as such, any repairs involving gas pipes or appliances should only be undertaken by an experienced professional who is certified in this area. Failing to follow the correct process, including fully disconnecting the gas or improper repairs, can lead to deadly consequences. Gas leaks can, at the time, go noticed, and all it takes is for one spark to ignite escaped grass, and you have more problems on your hand than a relatively simple repair that you didn’t want to pay out for.
HVAC Repairs
Repairing your AC can be expensive. It can be a hard fix with so many parts and variables if you think something is wrong with your HVAC. Avoid making the issue worse by always calling an HVAC contractor to look at your air condition unit and make sure any repairs it needs are carried out safely and effectively.
Interior Wall Removal
If you aren’t sure if your interior wall is load-bearing, then you shouldn’t remove it. Stud walls are easy to remove, and typically you can tell by how hollow they sound when you knock on them. However, some internal walls are vital for the support of the house, and removing them can cause untold damage to your home.
Always consult a builder who can advise you on removing the wall before you attempt to and what support you will need not having a place when you remove the wall.
Wiring
Changing a light switch or light fitting is a task most people can do. Isolating the electrical supply before you remove any electrical fixtures and fittings is vital to avoid electric shocks. However, while these tasks are relatively straightforward for most people, rewiring your home needs to be carried out by a qualified electrician who can safely undertake this type of work. Avoid fires and injury by not taking on tasks you aren’t qualified to save money.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is highly dangerous. Asbestos was used to construct homes prior to the 1980s, and any homeowners who find the asbestos in their homes need to have it removed by asbestos experts. Asbestos has been linked to cancer, and as such, if you suspect you have asbestos, you need to ensure its safe removal immediately. Beware of companies telling you they can identify this harmful compound by sight. This isn’t possible and requires specific technology to identify its presence in homes built before the 1980s.
Extensive Tiling
Tiling is one of those tasks that looks quite simple, but it isn’t so easy in reality. Many people try their hand at smaller tiling tasks, and this isn’t a problem. However, for more extensive tiling tasks such as whole bathrooms or flooring, then you need the services of expert tilers who can complete the job at hand effectively and ensure it is sealed properly to avoid water damage.
When it comes to undertaking DIY around the home, you must build up your skills by doing smaller, more simple jobs before launching into the bigger tasks. There are many successful DIYers worldwide who have created masterpieces they have self-learned via tutorials and YouTube videos. But to avoid doing more damage than good, you need to know what your limits are and what is and isn’t safe for you to do personally.
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