Home Repairs too Dangerous to DIY

Empowered by internet tutorials and how-to guides, homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) repair and maintenance projects. From installing their own bathroom vanities to laying vinyl flooring, some homeowners have really embraced a DIY mindset.

But, even the handiest of homeowners should know their limits. There are, after all, some projects that are just too dangerous or risky for a DIY approach. In this article, we’ll review several home repairs where you should put down the wrench and call in a professional.

Electrical Work

You probably don’t need us to tell you that electricity is dangerous. Yet, despite knowing the risks, thousands of American homeowners electrocute themselves every year trying to change out lights, install fans, or reroute wiring. This happens for a number of reasons. First, many homeowners don’t fully grasp what outlets or wires belong to what circuit, which leads to them inadvertently working with live wires. Second, many DIY guides leave out or skip past what it means to “ground” a wire—and just how important it is to do so.

Electricity isn’t just a danger to you. It’s a potential danger to your home and its value. In a worst-case scenario, your ungrounded electrical work could cause a home fire. Short of that, a do-it-yourself approach to electrical work will likely be caught and brought up in a home inspection report. This could be a contention point with a prospective buyer, and will need to be repaired by a licensed electrician.

HVAC Repair

Everything we said about electricity also applies to your HVAC systems, which are powered by either electricity or natural gas. You don’t really want to mess with either, but there’s an added pitfall here that most homeowners don’t know about. Almost every new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump comes with the protection of a manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty covers essential components—such as the AC compressor—for a number of years after installation. It also guards you against system defects.

Altering or repairing the HVAC system on your own may void your warranty coverage. Basic, regular maintenance can go a long way in prolonging the life of your HVAC system, but when it comes to repairs or more invasive maintenance procedures, calling in a professional is always the best option. You’ll be less likely to run into problems.

Roof Repair

Roof repairs may seem simple to some, but there’s a lot more to it than setting up your ladder and climbing up there and replace those missing or damaged shingles. Do you know what to look for when you’re up there? If you’re trying to fix a leak, can you tell where it’s coming from?

A professional roofing contractor is able to make those determinations because they have the training and tools needed to do so. They also have something else that’s very important: safety equipment. Your roof is an incredibly dangerous place where a momentary loss of balance or a slip of your foot could end in disaster. Far too many American homeowners seriously injure themselves every year falling off of roofs and ladders. It’s just not worth it.

Take it from a home inspector: professional roofers are worth every penny. Nothing kills your home sale quite like a damaged or leaking roof. After all, no potential buyer wants to inherit those potentially expensive problems. If you try to save a buck by handling your own roof repairs now, you may run into some serious troubles down the road.

Take a Smart Approach to DIY

On the whole, it’s great that homeowners are becoming more DIY-savvy. It means that homes are being better cared for, which makes buying and selling a home easier for everyone. But, there are limits, and it’s important to know yours. Be safe and smart when making DIY repairs or attempting DIY home improvements. Check out the infographic below to learn more about potentially dangerous DIY home projects: