Guest Post - Home Improvement Projects to Avoid Doing Yourself

Being a home DIY expert is a great way to save some money and ensure that everything is done to your specifications, but for some home improvement projects, it's best to shell out a few dollars for professional assistance. In the long run, DIYing some important projects can cost you more money down the road if done improperly. That's why it's best to know what projects you can and cannot do yourself. This guide has been written to educate all of the self-made home improvers out there on when to call an expert.

Installing a Light Fixture 

Installing a light fixture is an excellent example of a project that seems easy but can be dangerous for DIY experts. Even small electrical projects are best left to professionals; electricians have undergone arduous training and are much less likely to damage your circuits. There is the additional risk of injuring yourself while installing a light fixture. Even if the light is switched off, there is a possibility of live wires running close by. 

Avoid potentially damaging your circuits and injuring yourself by calling a professional for light fixture installation and other small electrical tasks.

Finishing Rooms

The structure of your home is nothing to play around with. While finishing your attic or basement may seem tempting, this could be a recipe for disaster. Poorly installed foundation and drywall can develop into much more expensive problems down the line. DIY experts often do not account for the strength of their home's structure or other architectural flaws that may arise from finishing a room. 

Removing Drywall or Paint

This may sound like an exaggeration, but removing drywall or paint can have quite adverse effects on your health, and often, these removal jobs are best left to professionals. Many older homes have dangerous chemicals in the paint or drywall. Chemicals like asbestos can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. It is best to have a professional test your home for asbestos or other chemicals before DIYing or have them do the job entirely. 

Fixing Broken Pipes

Fixing broken pipes is an ambitious task for the most experienced do-it-yourself professional. Your home's water system, similar to your electric circuit, is very sensitive and requires experience and precision to work on properly. Without this expertise, home improvers can cost themselves significant amounts of money by fixing pipes improperly. Poor pipe installation can cause water leaks, clogging, and many other problems that can be expensive to fix. Save yourself the headache and call a plumber.

Roof Repair

Roof repair is another DIY project that is not worth the effort. First things first, working on roofs is dangerous, even for professionals. It takes a lot of experience to navigate a rooftop safely, balance on a ladder 20ft in the air, and perform manual labor the whole time. Avoid potential injuries by leaving this project for professionals. It also can save you money! Improperly installed roofing can result in leaks and more expensive energy bills.

Tree Removal

While this may not have been something on your list, it's worth warning home improvement experts about the dangers of tree removal. Even for professionals, tree removal is a difficult task, and the implications of doing it improperly are huge. Removing a tree incorrectly can cause it to fall in the wrong direction. This will cause massive damage to your home, backyard, car, or anything remotely close to the tree.

Bio: Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer who writes for a Custom Home Builder in Avalon.

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