DIY projects are a great way to save money on repairs and with home improvement shows on HGTV, it looks pretty easy. Not all DIY projects are the same, some involve sledgehammers, jack knives, or drills. Experts say if you don’t own at least 90% of the tools involved, hire a professional. Before you get yourself into more trouble by biting off more than you can chew, here are 5 DIY projects that you should probably leave to a professional.
Molding
How easy does molding look? They look like quick additions that will add life to any home, but don’t be fooled, a lot more than just caulking is involved. No wall is completely straight, even in brand new homes. Many professionals have to use a technique called scribing, which basically shapes your material to the fit of the wall. This is no Saturday afternoon project.
Floor refinishing
How hard can refinishing a floor be? You’re basically just sanding and finishing wood. It’s not that simple, sanding machines require a special touch. It would be better having someone who does this on a daily basis take care of your floors. The last thing you want to be doing is calling to have your floor repaired.
Electrical repair
For obvious reasons, this should be left to a professional. You may be able to watch a video online on how to add dimmers to your dining room, but that doesn’t make you an expert. All wires are different and the ones you watched on the video may be different from yours. One slip up could lead to electrocution. Did you know there are 400 deaths per year due to faulty electricity, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation.
Roofing
Roofing is not the most complicated projected, but it comes with danger. Experts suggest that any exterior work that involves scaffolding should be left to professionals. According to the National Safety Council, 6,000 people die annually due to falls, mainly from roofs or ladders.
Permit needed work
Many people don’t realize that some of their DIY projects need permits. If you need permits, but don’t understand why or even know how to get permits, it’s best to avoid the project yourself. Not having permits for a certain project may come back to haunt you when you try to sell your home or worse, cause damage to your home. If you’re having trouble figuring out what needs permits, anything that changes the footprint of your home or certain wiring jobs need permits.
