As a homeowner it is very tempting to try and save money when it comes to home improvement projects. While a great number of home improvements are completely doable on your own, there are many others that could result in injury, death, or damage to that very thing you are trying to improve. Just because you have secured the proper permits, watched a few YouTube videos on DIY wiring or attended your local hardware store's plumbing seminar, does not mean you are ready to go it alone! Thousands of Americans end up in the emergency room annually as a result of home improvement projects gone wrong, or have to pay more to have the job completed by a professional after an unsuccessful attempt. Unless you have the skill sets required, here are a few home improvement scenarios better left to the pros.
Projects Involving Ladders and Power Equipment
Several jobs fall under this category and should be avoided by the typical DIY homeowner. Jobs that require ladders present enough risk of their own. When combined with power tools, it's a recipe for disaster. A few examples of dangerous power tool/ladder combos are ladders plus electric hedge clippers, chainsaws, drills, sanders, and nail guns.
Wiring and Electrical Work
The inherent danger of taking on projects that have anything to do with your home's electrical system is twofold. Unless you know precisely what you are doing, you risk being electrocuted. Secondly, if you are not a qualified electrician, problems could arise with the work you did resulting in power outages, electrical shorts, and house fires.
Roofing
The potential risk for replacing shingles looms large unless you are an experienced roofer. Inferior roof work can lead to problems, which are expensive to fix such as, leaks, water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. The danger of falling is another thing to consider.
Plumbing-Although the risks to the homeowner associated with plumbing are not as severe as those linked to electrical work, poorly plumbed projects can lead to major damage. Hidden leaks can cause problems ranging from rot to mildew to an inexplicably high water bill. An inexperienced homeowner turned plumber can also wreak havoc with a home's water pressure. So, no matter how tempting it is to try out that new adjustable wrench and fresh tube of putty, call a pro!
Structural Renovations
Thinking about knocking out a wall or two to create a more open floor plan? Even if you consult your home's blueprints and successfully identify the non-load bearing walls, resist the temptation to swing that sledgehammer! The chances for costly mistakes are too great. What if you knock through a pipe or damage your home's wiring? This is a job for a licensed contractor. A project of this size may also require permits and a professional will be able to help you navigate the permitting process.
Pouring Cement
Yes, it is so easy, and even a little fun to visit your local big box hardware store and purchase everything you need to mix up enough cement for an entire patio, driveway, or garden wall. However, that does not mean you have the expertise to mix and pour! Working with cement requires a certain level of skill and usually a few extra pairs of hands. Knowing how to properly clean up the site and your tools also requires quite a bit of know how. Mistakes made with cement can be "hard" to fix, in more ways than one!
Projects Requiring Specialty Tools
If finishing the job means investing in a pricey tool you're unlikely to have another use for you may save money by hiring a professional. Hopefully they will also do a better job as they are experienced and have commercial quality equipment.
If you are still determined to tackle certain home improvement projects on your own, here are a few suggestions:
Do not be in a rush, take your time, and do plenty of research on exactly what the project entails. Learn where the potential for error lies and ask yourself plenty of "what-if" questions: What if I get hurt? What if I do permanent damage to my home? What if I wait until I have the funds to hire an experienced carpenter, roofer, electrician, or plumber?
If you are still determined to DIY, your local hardware store, the library, and the Internet are all full of information that can guide you in the right direction. Although knowledge is power, experience is the key. You could begin the project and complete it in steps. Consider hiring a pro to check each stage of your completed work.
When you hire an outside contractor, check at least 3 references, and make sure they are licensed.
