7 Home Projects That Should Not Be DIY’d
For how expensive they are, it makes sense that homeowners take much pride in their homes, which is why there has been an influx in home improvement. Many take pride in improving their homes, as it can save money and time from painting and remodeling their kitchens or bathrooms. The DIY world shouldn’t be entered lightly, and depending on your personal skill set, maybe not at all.
In this article, we will discuss seven home projects that you should never opt to “do it yourself.”
1. Constructing a Backyard Deck
Building a deck in your backyard is notorious for stringent local building codes and difficult permit processes. In this instance, it isn’t always feasible to do a DIY project in your neck of the woods. Even if you are patient and willing, we recommend not doing it. The tools, expertise, and time needed to do this type of project that involves engineering and concrete footers are better left to professionals.
2. Having Pavers Installed
A beautiful paver patio will upgrade the aesthetic of your backyard, but when the work is done by someone who understands what they are doing. From something as simple as not properly excavating the ground, the patio can shift and buckle. Or perhaps you didn’t do your research and used sandbox sand instead of bedding sand for the base. Hopefully, if you are lucky, money can be saved by reusing as many stones as possible.
3. Removing Lead Paint, Asbestos, or Mold
There are projects around the house that are worth a DIY. However, asbestos and lead paint shouldn’t be one of them due to harmful emissions. If you suspect asbestos, we recommend leaving it untouched until consulting an inspector who holds a license before the renovation is underway. The same goes for lead paint. Dealing with mold of any kind is a project not meant for DIYers. There are health and safety reasons not to attempt mold removal. Not addressing mold professionally from the beginning can be seen as negligence by your insurance company. This can lead you to be dropped altogether by them in failure to respond to a disaster in an appropriate amount of time to prevent secondary damages from occurring.
4. Decluttering the Garage or Attic
Decluttering can be a great DIY project; it will depend on how much clutter is in question. When it comes down to tackling a large area like your garage or attic, it should be left to the pros. This physically demanding project requires tons of decisions to be made, which can lead to mental exhaustion. Even the pros have their reservations about this scope of work, which can be dirty, dusty, and dangerous.
5. Building a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls can have many purposes for your property, from supporting existing structures to controlling water runoff. If it is even a decorative wall around your garden you are looking for, it is always best to hire a professional, or even more than one. For larger walls, it is best to consult an engineer. Professionals have to consider backfilling, grading, irrigation, and more. A wall that is poorly built will default, which can have big implications for your property.
6. Taking on Structural Changes
Are you thinking of removing a wall or altering a roofline? We recommend not picking up a single tool and, instead, asking around for a contractor. These changes should be taken on by a responsible professional, as portions of the home can experience impaired structural integrity from improper relocations or removals. To the most ambitious of DIYers, this can seem like a no-brainer, but home additions shouldn’t be tackled either. The knowledge needed to properly code a home addition is a project worth spending money on.
7. Electrical, Gas Line Modifications, or Plumbing Work
When it comes to extensive plumbing and electrical work, it should be left to the professionals. Apart from having the right tools on hand, professionals know how to work safely. Avoid the risk of getting electrocuted and have a professional handle it. Replacing a fixture might be considered a simple task for more experienced DIYers, but it can be hazardous if there are hidden wires. Improper plumbing repairs can cause the growth of mold, as well as structural damage over time, so it should be considered twice before DIYing a leaky pipe. Gas line modifications are too dangerous for anyone who is not a professional to take on.
Conclusion
Home projects should be an exciting thing to take on, not something that is overwhelming or even scary. Keep your safety in mind at all times, and keep the numbers of reputable handyperson and a professional contractor in your contacts. Despite being there to save money, some DIY projects are too hazardous to take on yourself, and it is better to take on professional help to get your home looking like the home of your dreams. Trust the real estate professionals at Coastal Realty Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many beautiful waterfront neighborhoods that make up the Forgotten Coast of Florida, today.