Five home improvement projects you should leave to professionals

Most homeowners choose to DIY because it saves money. While this is often the case, it isn’t always. Ask anyone who’s undertaken too big a project alone if it saved them money and they’ll tell you "no." There are certain projects that you should go straight to the pros for help. The following projects are inherently risky and are more likely to cost you even more if you try to do it yourself first.

Roofing work of any kind

For obvious reasons, roofing work of all kinds pose an inherent risk. Not only are they far above ground but they’re sloped. Many Americans are killed each year by falls from their roof. Whether you need a whole new roof or you just need a leak patched, you’re better off hiring a professional roofer who has the proper training and equipment. Besides, you wouldn’t want to void the warranty that came with your shingles.

Electrical work

Electrical work is also inherently risky for obvious reasons. Not only do you risk electrocution, you could start a fire or short out your whole system. Electrical work requires a license for a reason. If the work you envision requires rewiring or moving electrical outlets, call a professional.

Plumbing work

Unlike the previous two, plumbing work isn’t likely to kill you, but like the previous two, it can result in costly damages if you try to do it yourself which is why you want to leave plumbing work to the professionals as well. The average homeowners is unlikely to have all the special equipment that a licensed plumber would have and one wrong move can flood a room and cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars and you’ll end up needing to bring in a professional in the end anyways.

Wood floor installation

Even though wood flooring comes pre-cut, you’ll still need to do some cutting of your own to work around a kitchen island, funny angles, or all the other quirks that every home has. Using a saw has it’s own risks if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even if you do, you’re unlikely to cut everything perfectly and install it without a single gap. Gaps in flooring means your new hardwood floors won’t last long since spills will get beneath it and lead to rot.

Tree removal

America’s Funniest Home Videos has managed to last for 27 seasons in large part because of the number of homeowners who try to remove large trees or tree limbs on their own. If you’re tempted to save money on tree removal, go online and watch a few trees fall on homes, garages, and vehicles, then go call a professional.

What can you do?

Despite these and other projects that you shouldn’t do by yourself, there are still many, many projects you can do safely and successfully in order to save money. They’re the smaller-scale tasks that don’t require special training or equipment which the homeowner is unlikely to have. Instead of electrical work, install some new lighting fixtures. Instead of plumbing work, install some new sink fixtures. Other good projects include repainting, refacing cabinets, or installing baseboard heater covers.

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