Do it yourself home improvement projects can be a great way to save money while still fixing up your home. Projects like a new coat of paint, new cabinet hardware, or improved landscaping in the yard can easily be accomplished over the course of a weekend. These kinds of easy improvements can make your house look better without any real risk.
However, there are some home improvement projects that you should definitely leave to the pros. Skip these 4 do it yourself projects on your next free weekend.
#1 DIY Idea to Avoid: Tree Removal
We said that landscaping projects were great for do it yourself, but the removal of tall trees should always be left to the pros. Even those that are experienced with a chainsaw should steer clear of tree removal. It can be difficult to predict where long branches and sections of the trunk will fall. Leave this to the pros so that you will not have to explain to your neighbour how your tree ended up on top of their shed.
#2 DIY Idea to Avoid: Electrical Work
An electrical project gone wrong can have disastrous consequences. Unless you have experience working with wiring, you should leave complicated electrical projects to the pros. If you are simply replacing a light switch or your room’s overhead lighting, you can probably do this yourself. Just make sure you flip the breaker for that section of your home before you begin.
More complicated wiring projects, like installing additional overhead light fixtures or increasing the number of outlets in a room, should be left to the pros. A wiring project gone wrong can quickly lead to injuries, electric shocks, or even fires. Not to mention the complex building codes that must be strictly adhered to in most areas.
#3 DIY Idea to Avoid: Removing Walls
People love the idea of an open floor plan, so many trendy homeowners are removing some of their older home’s interior walls. If you are hoping to implement a more open floor plan in your home, it is best to consult with a professional before you begin. Some interior walls can be safely removed while others are load bearing, meaning that they are supporting the floor, ceiling, or roof of your home. It might not be readily apparent which walls are load bearing, but removing the wrong wall can cause issue immediately or slowly over time. Consult with a professional before you start crafting your new floor plan.
#4 DIY Idea to Avoid: Roof Repairs
While it might seem simple to replace a section of your roof, this is another task that should be approached with caution. One wrong step and you could end up slipping over the edge and into the yard. Even if your balance is good, it can be easy to overlook small flaws in the shingles. These seemingly small gaps can allow water to seep in around vents, slowly causing damage to your roof and attic.
To learn more about what you should and should not do to your new home, email us at [mail_to email=”homes@huntleyrealty.com”]homes@huntleyrealty.com[/mail_to] or call 847.669.4010.
