DIY home improvement projects are eternally popular for the fact that they promise to save you money, and for those who enjoy hands on challenges, help to fight the boredom and give space for your native creativity.
But, there are also a lot of persistent DIY blunders that people commonly fall into – and one of them is simply taking on a project DIY that would better have been handled by the pros.
Which specific tasks merit hiring a professional versus doing it yourself will, of course, vary from person to person based on his or her skills, schedule, and preferences. But here are 5 of the best tasks to “outsource” to the pros for best results:
1. Moving Heavy Furniture
Quite often, it’s beneficial to have the whole task of relocating your possessions to a new home left to professional movers. But, according to Platinum Furniture Removals, the dangers of injury and property damage when moving large, heavy, bulky furniture pieces is such that you’re much better off having the professionals do it, even if you do the rest yourself.
In fact, you may even want to hire professional removalists to move furniture off your premises into storage while you renovate and then back on once you’re done. So this kind of service is not strictly only for relocating.
2. Roof Repairs
A quick fix to a small roof leak or just patching a couple of fallen shingles which can easily be done by most people DIY, provided they have the right equipment and are comfortable walking on a roof. But any major roof repairs are best left to the pros. Otherwise, you risk serious injury, a nightmare-length project, and future leaks and roof damage due to less than professional installation methods.
The roof is what protects everything else in your house, and it’s the first thing that people ask about if you ever go to sell. So don’t skimp on roof repairs. Make sure it’s done right.
3. Asbestos Removal
If you have old, asbestos-containing insulation in your attic or ceilings, and it’s got to come out due to a renovation or to installing new insulation, don’t risk damaging your lungs by trying to remove it yourself. It’s not worth it.
The same can be said of older construction products that contain lead. These materials have to be disposed of very carefully and in a way that is legal according to state and local safety standards.
4. Large Tree Removal
You may be handy with a chainsaw and in need of fresh firewood for the winter, but tackling a large tree may not be the best idea unless you have a lot of experience and access to a professional style tree trimmer.
If branches fall onto your roof or onto nearby power lines, you can create new work for yourself plus a dangerous situation. The risk of getting hurt is far too high with larger trees for non-professionals.
5. Major Electrical Work
While you may know how to put in a new outlet and wire new fixtures and appliances, anytime you’re dealing with a new addition that needs to be wired or rewiring a whole room or whole house, it’s best to call an experienced electrician.
After all, the risk of immediate electrocution or of a later unexpected fire due to a wiring mistake are extremely serious. Plus, you have to make sure the electric work will be up to code – not an easy task for those who don’t deal with building codes day in and day out.
Everyone has their capabilities, and everyone has their limits. Know where it’s safe, efficient, and cost-effective to go the DIY route and where it makes more sense to call up the pros!
Loves home. I am here to provide how to make your home a much better place. 🙂 Blogging about HomeDecor, Home Improvements and more.
