Online tutorials and endless episodes of Fixer Upper can make any DIY home improvement project seem easy. However, according to a survey from Zillow, 40 percent of people who try and tackle these renovations wish they hadn’t. Before you start, remember there are some home improvement projects that you should leave to the professionals.
Electrical Work
If you are planning on small electrical projects like updating a light fixture or changing a switch, those aren’t a big problem. When you are rerouting or extending wiring, you should definitely leave that project to the professionals to avoid risk of shock or a potential fire. Depending on where you live, some states require a certified technician to do any type of electrical work in order to meet required code.
Roof Replacement
Installing a new roof or even making repairs will provide a visual upgrade and added charm, but this is not an easy project. It’s often complex and not necessarily DIY-friendly and even the beginning stages might seem daunting. If a roof isn’t properly installed you may face potential damage to the roof, attic, walls and more. Lastly, a professional can come and install a roof within a few days; a fraction of the time it would take for you to do it on your own.
Window Upgrades
Whether you’re upgrading windows to enhance your curb appeal or they just need a good update from wear and tear, window upgrades is another project that seems simple when researching, but is more complex than you think. Each window has to be measured and fit perfectly into its spot to avoid any problems. Homes lose 40-50 percent of heating and cooling through windows and doors. Any weak seals that are left behind because of poor installation will drive up monthly energy bills, and even expose your walls to water damage and potentially mold.
Floor Plan Renovations
Converting to an open floor plan should be left to experienced contractors and structural engineers. Although open floor plans are more popular nowadays, it’s sometimes not the most ideal thing to do. If you knock down a load-bearing wall on your own, you could potentially cause damage to the entire structure of your home causing more damage than you thought. Professionals can help you achieve the look you want by providing different options.
Taking on a project yourself isn’t always the best route. If you have home renovations you want to do on your own, contact a professional before you start and know what you can and cannot do on your own.