There are some home projects that are easy—hanging new curtains, adding new throw pillows, even maneuvering furniture. Others take a bit more work. And then, there are some you shouldn’t even try to touch without a professional’s aid. Below, you’ll find the home improvement projects you should never DIY—from mold removal to roof repair, these are the things to avoid.
Mold and Asbestos Removal
If you’re dealing with a water-damaged room, you may not know the best ways to get rid of mold. You may also not know when asbestos is present, and the process for its removal. If you’re dealing with any of that, you should reach out to a professional. Especially when it comes to asbestos removal, you should never DIY, since you won’t have the right equipment or know how to handle the hazardous material.
Roofing Repairs
Sure, you may not be afraid of heights, but that doesn’t mean it’s smart for you to climb on top of your roof. If you’re just trimming some branches, then maybe you can accomplish that solo. But if you’re thinking about doing anything with shingle removal and replacement, then you need to get a professional.
They’ll be able to tell you if there is any damage beyond the surface and help you fix it before it gets too bad.
Bathroom Plumbing
You can absolutely tackle a leaky sink or a running toilet. But when it comes to the bigger bathroom plumbing projects, leave those to the professionals. The plumbing and electrical in a bathroom remodel are incredibly close in proximity. If you don’t have the right person on the job, you run the risk of disastrous results.
Wall Removal
For real, leave this to the pros. You don’t want to risk tearing into a structural-support wall that provides stability for the home. And you don’t want to start knocking down a wall that’s filled with wires or plumbing. Before you start swinging a sledgehammer, get a contractor to verify that the wall isn’t load bearing. We understand that you want that open floor plan, but maybe a different wall needs to come down instead.
New Lighting Installation
Screwing in a new lightbulb isn’t too difficult, but installing new lighting fixtures? That requires a professional touch. You may think you’re saving money, but a lot can go wrong. You may forget to turn off the live power, there’s always the possibility of getting shocked, you may rewire incorrectly—the list goes on. General safety and even fire concerns make electrical DIY projects an absolute no-go.
These are just a few of the home improvement projects you should never DIY. Consult with professionals before you begin!