A home’s value and curb appeal can undoubtedly benefit from remodeling work. Still, as home makeover shows and instructional videos have grown in popularity, many more people are taking on the task themselves, often with disastrous results. The same home renovations that were supposed to save money can eventually cost you a lot if done incorrectly.
Destructive DIY projects can decrease the value of a home by millions of dollars and even turn away potential buyers. Regarding the following home renovations, you may want to consider hiring a licensed professional rather than attempting to complete them on your own.
Electrical Work
A certified electrician should handle any DIY job that involves working with electrical wiring or installing new wires since they know the risks and adhere to proper safety measures. This could result in fried appliances and broken connections, but that’s the best-case scenario.
Electric shocks and flames are the worst-case situations, according to the National Safety Council’s data, which shows that electrical risks are responsible for about one death per day and approximately 4000 injuries per year. Because of this, electrical valves, outlets, and equipment must be installed following tight rules.
Pipework
Pipework is another task best left to the experts unless you need to disconnect a drain or fix a faulty faucet. Even modest DIY projects, such as installing a sewage tank or a water heater, might go awry if mishandled by an inexperienced person. Installing toilets, bathtubs, and plumbing incorrectly can lead to flooding and costly water damage repairs.
Tiling
That might seem like a good idea to save money and do your tile work, but there is much more to a good tile work than simply linearly queuing up the slabs. Unless you’ve done this before, tiling your kitchen or bathroom will take much longer than it should be, and many things could go wrong.
Which is not to say that it’s impossible? Once the surface has been adequately prepared and leveled, you can begin laying the tiles. Several considerations aren’t so trivial when it comes to tile selection, measuring, cutting, and grouting.
Roofing
Roof repairs and replacements are another joint DIY project that can go wrong. For starters, you’ll fall over the edge if you make a mistake or lose a tile. About a third of any fall-related building project deaths are caused by falls from roofs.
Decide if saving money by doing the work yourself is worth the potential for injury. In addition, shoddy roofing work is likely to look uneven and perceptible from the outside, which will decrease the value of your home and make it less desirable to potential buyers.
Duct Cleaning
Ductwork is always delicate and should be left to professionals. Both toddlers and adults are sensitive to all these toxic particles hanging in the air, and they can develop serious allergies if nothing is done to purify the air in their homes. Choosing a contractor that offers duct cleaning in Ottawa or anywhere you may live can help protect people from the severe health repercussions of breathing dirty air.
Structural Alterations
Any modifications that require structural improvements must never be carried around without the assistance of a qualified specialist. Trying to knock out walls before adding the proper support could damage your entire apartment and cause serious harm, whereas attempting smaller construction projects such as porches or pergolas without the necessary permissions could lead to costly fines.
When in question over whether you can DIY, constantly assess if you have the knowledge and equipment needed to safely and efficiently accomplish the work, and then ask yourself whether the cash you can still save is worth the time or effort you ought to put in into it.
Conclusion
The National Safety Council’s data shows that electrical risks are responsible for about one death per day and approximately 4000 injuries annually. Even modest DIY projects, such as installing a sewage tank or a water heater, might go awry if mishandled by an inexperienced person. Roof repairs and replacements are another typical DIY project that can go wrong. Decide if saving money by doing the work yourself is worth the potential for injury. Shoddy roofing work will decrease the value of your home and make it less desirable to potential buyers.