Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

Posted by Bruce Borden in Home Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy and comfortable home is of utmost importance. Regularly checking on your home's maintenance guarantees that it remains in pristine condition, providing you with warmth, running water, and a spotless appearance.

While there are specific tasks that you can handle on your own, it’s essential to recognize when it is necessary to seek professional assistance. Some home improvement tasks require the expertise and knowledge of professionals to ensure that they are completed correctly, not only for the well-being of your home but also for your own safety.

Here are six DIY home improvement ideas you should never do yourself and leave to the professionals.

6 DIY Home Improvement Ideas You Should Never Do Yourself

Plumbing

Plumbing issues can range from large to small, and it's important to know when to call in a professional to take care of leaks or more significant issues that involve pipes that aren't visible.

An M/I Homes' Customer Care Department Manager explains that:

"A toilet replacement seems to be a simple, though heavy, item for a homeowner to replace, but there is plenty that can go wrong. One of the biggest is the correct replacement of the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet to the sewer line. If this is done improperly, water can leak into the subfloor or even the floor joists, rotting them out and potentially costing thousands of dollars to repair."

They illustrate, "On average, DIY plumbing solutions are not going to be as reliable as work done by a professional, licensed plumber. Given that, it's best to avoid doing a less-reliable DIY job that will be out of sight if it fails. Plumbing work that will be covered up by drywall is particularly risky, as any failure is unlikely to be discovered immediately, and accessing it will require destroying and repairing walls in your home."

Wall Removal

Open-concept spaces are a very popular trend and often older homes are built with walls that hinder the natural flow of an open-concept layout. It is possible to remove a wall if it is not load-bearing, and it can be done if the proper steps are followed.

However, this is a very complex task for the average homeowner that involves many steps. It is best to call in professional help to ensure the structural integrity of your home.

Window Replacement

While it is possible to replace your windows with determination and know-how, you should ask yourself whether you should. Handling fragile glass and treating window frames delicately can be a challenge for the average person.

There are more disadvantages to DIY window installations than advantages. The injury risks, broken glass, and exposure to lead paint or asbestos are significant. A window that is not installed correctly can lead to structural and insulation issues, so it is best to leave window replacement to the experts.

Electrical

Electrical work is often very tempting to attempt by yourself, but it's also very dangerous.

Working with electrical components without proper knowledge and experience increases the chances of injury, electric shock, and even fire. Faulty wiring, if undetected, can lead to a fire outbreak years later, posing a significant risk to your safety and property.

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to electrical work. Professional electricians undergo extensive training and acquire licenses to ensure they can handle electrical circuits and take necessary safety precautions.

One of M/I Homes’ experienced Construction Managers says:

"Electric work may seem minor, but electrical issues can easily become dangerous without proper training and equipment. I've seen DIYers cause fires or shocks by improperly installing outlets, light fixtures or upgrading circuitry."

Attempting a DIY electrical project becomes even more hazardous without the expertise to identify and handle hidden electrical connections.

Roofing

Hiring a professional roofer is the smartest choice for roof repair. Trying to fix it yourself can damage not only your roof but also your entire home. Moreover, you may void your warranty and spend more money than if you had hired a professional from the beginning.

Tree Removal

Having a tree near your home can offer advantages such as shade and enhancing the overall appearance. However, there are cases where a tree will need to be removed and it is best to call in the professionals to get the job done right.

Without proper knowledge and experience, you may encounter unexpected difficulties, such as the tree falling in the wrong direction and causing further damage or harm to yourself.

While there are DIY tasks you can handle, certain home improvement projects such as plumbing, wall removal, window replacement, and electrical work should be left to experts to avoid potential risks and ensure the structural integrity of your home. Make sure you contact your local professionals before starting any of these projects!

February 16, 2024