Smaller-scale projects benefit from a DIY mindset, but when it comes to major home renovations, leave it to the professionals. As you plan your next home renovation, steer clear of these four home repairs you should never do yourself.
Structural work
Changing the floorplan of your house may seem like an easy DIY project, but one wrong step could send your whole ceiling crashing down. When you attempt to remove or add walls to a room yourself, you may forget about the importance of load-bearing walls. These walls are crucial to the structural integrity of your home, and the removal of a load-bearing wall may cause additional damage to other walls, rooms, or even the floors of the house. When preparing to remove walls or create an addition to your home, be sure to consult a skilled contractor. They’ll be able to not only improve your building and design plans but also advise you in the event your renovation project requires a building permit.
Roof installation
Because it’s such a large home renovation project, it should come as no surprise that a full roof installation is one home repair you should never do yourself. While you can complete smaller-scale roof repairs such as replacing or repairing damaged shingles without the aid of a roofing contractor, you should never attempt a full-scale roof installation on your own. That being said, it can be difficult to find a quality roofing contractor. To ensure your roofing contractor is experienced and properly licensed, conduct a thorough interview prior to signing them on to the project. Your roof is your home’s main defense against Mother Nature, after all, so you want to be certain it’s installed properly.
Electrical work
Rewiring your house brings plenty of potential risks and requires the help of a professional. Even seemingly small electrical repairs, such as repairing your electrical breaker, can be quite complex and potentially dangerous. Improper repair or installation of electrical sockets or wiring can lead to fires in your home and can cause significant bodily harm. Professional electricians ensure that all the wiring in your home is installed safely and that it poses no risk to the house or its inhabitants. If you’re planning to add or remove walls as part of your home renovation, you should also consult a skilled electrician to aid in the rewiring of the new room.
Plumbing
In theory, plumbing may seem like a relatively simple project you can easily do yourself. However, when it comes to toilet installation, hot water repairs, or sewage system maintenance, consulting a licensed plumber is always best. Even a seemingly harmless leaky faucet may be indicative of a larger problem, and improper repair of this issue could lead to further concerns. Improper plumbing installation may not have as many life-threatening consequences as improper electrical work, but it may still cause significant damage to your home. Consulting a plumber ensures that all plumbing is properly installed and repaired, and keeps the foundation of your home sturdy for many years to come.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
