Making improvements to your living space is a top priority for many homeowners. While it’s easy to get caught up in do-it-yourself fervor, it’s crucial to remember that not all home improvement projects are created equal. Some jobs are better left to professional contractors if you want them done right and safely. Here are some home improvement projects where it’s worth calling in the pros.
1. Electrical Work
Tackling minor electrical tasks like changing a fixture may be feasible for some handy homeowners. However, you’d be well advised to bring in a licensed electrician for more extensive work. Dealing with electricity comes with inherent risks that professionals are trained to handle. They use the right equipment and protocols to avoid faulty work that can lead to shocks, fires, or other hazardous scenarios.
Note that electrical work is subject to strict building codes and regulations that the pros are well versed in. This knowledge ensures all installations and modifications comply with safety codes. Failure to follow protocols could not only result in safety hazards, but legal consequences as well. Properly executed electrical work also adds value to your home. You don’t want any red flags to pop up on future inspections due to shoddy craftsmanship or code non-compliance.
Homeowners who want to generate their own electricity from solar also need to depend on professional installers. Solar installation is a complex technical process that likewise comes with safety risks. Professionals will take local weather patterns and your roof’s structure and orientation into account to maximize the panels’ energy production. Solar companies can also provide maintenance services to guarantee your system operates at peak efficiency.
2. Structural Changes and Repairs
Structural changes and repairs to your home directly impact its stability and overall integrity. These projects require a level of expertise and precision that is better left in the hands of those trained for the job. For example, you’ll need a professional’s knowledge and skills if you want to add a room to your house. Even if you’re just moving a wall, you need an expert to get the job done right and safely.
Structural modifications involve elements that bear the load of the entire building. Professional contractors understand the structural dynamics, load-bearing capacities, and potential risks associated with changes. Incorrect or sloppy work can quickly compromise the safety of the structure, leading to collapse or other hazards.
Modifications to a structure can also be subject to strict building codes and regulations set by local authorities. The pros will know these codes inside and out, so you won’t have to worry about unknowingly breaking the rules. They can also obtain any required permits, a notoriously laborious process to navigate.
If work is completed without necessary permits and results in damages, your homeowners’ insurance could refuse to foot the bill. Licensed contractors carry insurance, providing protection in case of unforeseen issues arising from their handiwork. Properly executed repairs and additions to a home’s structure will boost its resale price. On the flip side, subpar craftsmanship can cause your home’s value to nosedive.
3. Roofing
Putting a roof over your head is one of the most fundamental functions of a home. When that roof needs repairs or replacement, you shouldn’t try to take matters into your own hands. These projects are typically pricey, so the temptation to save money can be intense. But you don’t want to cut corners or risk injuries that could open up a whole new world of problems.
Roofing work is inherently risky, involving working at heights and dealing with potentially hazardous conditions. Accidents from falls or mishandling tools can result in severe injuries or even death. The pros know how to get the job done safely using the proper equipment and techniques. They can also complete the project in a timely manner, minimizing the exposure of your home to potential weather damage. The same efficiency would be nearly impossible to replicate on your own.
Professionals can assess your roof’s structural integrity and pinpoint any issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They are also waterproofing experts. If you improperly install a new roof yourself, it could result in leaks and a domino effect of issues inside your home. Save yourself the trouble and call up a trusted local roofing company instead.
4. Major Plumbing Repairs and Installations
Plumbing jobs demand a thorough understanding of complex systems, adherence to building codes, and the proper use of specialized tools. While you might be able to handle minor plumbing issues independently, you should pass on more extensive projects to the pros.
Plumbing systems constitute an intricate network of pipes and fixtures. A plumber will know how these parts work together. Your attempts at DIY could lead to leaks or other issues that compromise the overall functioning of the system. Poor plumbing work, like badly sealed joints or improperly installed fixtures, can cause costly — and unsafe — water damage. Leaks from a bad plumbing job can cause dangerous mold and even imperil your home’s structural components.
A plumbing professional will also have appliance installation expertise. Installing appliances like water heaters or dishwashers requires specific knowledge to ensure proper functionality. Reputable plumbing companies often provide warranties for their work. These guarantees mean that if issues arise after the job is complete, they will address them at no additional cost.
Don’t Be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
While DIY can be a good way to save a few dollars, you can quickly get out of your depth when it comes to many home projects. Calling up a local professional will ensure the job is off your plate and done right. Tackling tasks out of your skill set will likely cause loads of headaches and money woes. So do yourself and your home a favor and leave them to the pros.
