If you’ve ever tried your hand at DIY around your home, you’ll know that it can be a truly rewarding experience. You learn new skills as you go, and you get to live with a satisfying new home improvement, knowing that you did it yourself. However, don’t get carried away–some DIY projects are dangerous or just too complicated to complete without training, just like the following things you should never try to fix around the house.
Electrical Wiring
Unless you have qualifications as an electrician, you really shouldn’t try to fix any electrical wiring in your home. Even if it seems straightforward, the slightest misstep can spark serious trouble. For example, improper wiring not only risks electrocution but can also cause fires, so it’s just not worth it. Simply call your local electrician, and they’ll get it all sorted for you.
Gas Lines
Just like with electrical wiring, anything involving gas lines should be strictly off-limits for DIY enthusiasts. Gas leaks are not only hard to detect but can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations. Meanwhile, certified professionals use specialized tools and skills to handle gas repairs safely, so give them a call, as this really isn’t a job for the untrained.
Roof Repairs
We can’t deny that some roof repairs look simple, but it’s harder than it looks. In fact, most roofing tasks require special materials and techniques, and climbing onto a sloped surface with no safety gear can be really dangerous. Worse still, a poorly repaired roof can lead to further leaks and structural issues later down the line, so even if you think you can do it, let go of that notion and get in touch with a roof specialist.
Foundation Repairs
The foundation is the backbone of your house, and therefore, any issues here can lead to serious structural problems. Sure, you could use some improvised DIY to patch up a foundation crack, but this would simply be a band-aid to mask deeper issues, potentially making them worse over time. Instead, get help from a professional who will know how to properly assess and repair foundation damage rather than just applying a quick fix.
Water Heater Repair
Considering that they combine gas, water, and electricity, water heaters shouldn’t be fixed by your average Joe. These are complex systems that involve a risky combination, and any incorrect handling could lead to scalding or even explosions. Leave this one to an expert who will be trained to understand and manage water heater issues safely and efficiently.
Septic System Repairs
Another thing you shouldn’t try to fix yourself at home is your septic system. Messing around with this kind of toxic system without the right knowledge can create a nightmarish scenario. Honestly–you could expect contamination, foul odors, or even a smelly explosion if you’re not careful, all of which could cause far more long-term damage to your home. Spare yourself from the grime, sit back, and relax while professionals do what they do best.
Garage Door Springs
You might think that the springs in your garage door would be a safe and easy DIY job, but that’s not actually the case. Why? Well, garage doors are under immense tension, and tampering with them without proper tools can result in serious injuries. Imagine if a spring snapped–it could cause the garage door to spring back, crushing anything in its way. Thankfully, professional garage door technicians know how to release and repair springs safely, protecting both you and your property from harm.
Plumbing Leaks in Walls
As we mentioned earlier, jobs that involve electricity, gas, or water are just not suitable for the average DIY enthusiast. Sorting out leaking behind walls definitely falls into this category. It can be difficult to pinpoint and can lead to mold growth or structural decay if left untreated, not to mention the potential for electricity to get involved. Don’t worry, though–pay for a pro to do it, and they’ll be familiar with these kinds of obstacles.
Asbestos Removal
It should go without saying that you should never attempt to remove asbestos from your home. Unfortunately, homes built before the 1980s often contain asbestos, especially in insulation or ceiling tiles, and it’s incredibly toxic when disturbed. Even a single exposure can lead to lung disease, cancer, and other complications, so don’t even think about doing this when you could call a professional.
Major Appliance Repairs
Some small appliance repairs can be done with some basic DIY skills, but when it comes to major appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, or food disposal systems, don’t get involved. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, tampering with such appliances will void your warranties and potentially cause costly damage. Just wait for a pro to take care of it, especially if you still have your warranty, in which case the repair will likely be free.
Chimney Sweeping and Repairs
While chimney cleaning kits exist, a professional chimney sweep is trained to spot structural issues that a DIYer might miss. For example, creosote buildup can cause chimney fires if not properly removed, and small cracks can lead to smoke and carbon monoxide leaks. On the other hand, chimney pros know precisely how to ensure that your fireplace is safe and functional, so leave this task for them.
Lead Paint Removal
Just like with asbestos, old houses often contain lead paint, which is hazardous, especially for young children. Obviously, if you learn that your home features lead paint, it’s your responsibility to remove it ASAP. However, don’t start doing this yourself, or you’ll end up causing lead dust to float throughout your home, which is awfully dangerous. This is one for a certified lead abatement expert who will tackle the problem with a thorough risk assessment.
Structural Wall Removal
It should probably go without saying that knocking down walls isn’t a job that you should try to take care of at home. Ultimately, some walls support the entire structure, so removing a load-bearing wall without proper reinforcement could lead to extremely costly damage. Thankfully, structural engineers and contractors can assess which walls are safe to remove, so you’ll still be able to get the job done, but not alone.
Pest Infestation Treatments
Yes, store-bought pesticides might handle minor bug problems, but serious infestations often need a targeted approach. Disturbingly, DIY solutions can scatter serious pest colonies, pushing them deeper into your home, where they’re harder to eradicate. In contrast, pest control professionals know how to treat infestations effectively and safely, ensuring your unwanted guests don’t return.
Window Replacement
If you’re a skilled DIYer, you might be able to replace a single window alone, but it’s much wiser to call in a professional for larger window projects, where insulation and precise fitting are critical. Without expert help, even a slight misalignment can impact energy efficiency and security. It’s a lot more complicated than you might think, so be honest, we’d recommend letting go of your window replacement project unless you really know your stuff.
Tree Removal
Anyone can cut down a tree with an electric saw, but cutting it down safely is a whole different kettle of fish. As you can probably realize, it’s a job full of potential hazards–namely, extremely heavy trees falling onto your property, or worse, you. Amazingly, though, professional tree services have the equipment and experience to calculate how a tree will fall and how to cut it down safely, so leave it to them, or you could risk hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage.
Floor Sanding
For smaller areas, a bit of floor sanding might be manageable on your own. However, large refinishing projects are best left to professionals who know how to create an even, polished look. DIY sanding can lead to uneven patches, so leaving the big jobs to experts ensures a finish that’s smooth and long-lasting.
Air Conditioning Repair
Modern air conditioners are complex systems involving refrigerants, electronics, and delicate parts, so don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’ve got what it takes. Most of us simply don’t, with DIY repairs often leading to system inefficiency, breakdowns, or environmental complications. Leave it to your HVAC technicians–they’re trained to troubleshoot and repair AC units efficiently, ensuring they run smoothly during the hottest months.
Pool Pump and Filter Repair
The balanced systems necessary to keep a swimming pool clean and safe are very temperamental. Therefore, tampering with the pump or filter can cause significant issues that disrupt water circulation, leading to murky water and bacteria growth. To your no-doubt relief, p professionals know how to fix pool systems without upsetting this balance, so have yourself some humble pie and leave this job to the experts.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Last but not least, don’t waste your time and energy trying to refinish hardwood floors; yes, it would be a satisfying transformation to be a part of, but it’s tricky to get right without experience. As with regular floor sanding, doing this wrong can cause uneven surfaces or scratches, while staining requires a precise touch. Overall, professionals are trained to bring out the best in wood without risking damage, so leave it to them.