If you’re a weekend warrior who loves the challenge of a DIY home project, you may gain an enormous sense of accomplishment from tackling home projects yourself. However, some of these projects are best left to the professionals, regardless of your confidence in your remodeling or construction skills. A professional will bring extensive knowledge and can likely complete the job faster and more efficiently, ensuring the projects adhere to essential safety standards or code requirements. If you’re considering taking on some home updates, consult this list to find out the home projects that are best left to the professionals.
Painting the kitchen cabinets
Painting the kitchen cabinets may be an easy DIY project involving a few coats of paint. However, painting cabinets requires a different level of prep and precision that walls don’t need. Kitchen cabinets should be removed before painting and thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Cabinets also require specific paint to be sure it adheres correctly.
Replacing the roofing
Roofing a home is more than replacing a few shingles. It may require structural repairs, which require a deep level of knowledge. Also, since a roof needs to be replaced quickly once the shingles are removed, having a team in place is essential to ensuring the roofing is repaired promptly.
Replacing windows
Replacement windows should always be left to the pros. A window must be precisely measured for a replacement window to be installed correctly. Even if the measurements are off by the smallest amount, the window won’t fit. Additionally, windows are heavy and cumbersome, requiring someone skilled at maneuvering them.
Demoing a room
On all the home renovation shows, homeowners take part in the demo. While this is something that you can certainly do, it’s essential to have a basic knowledge of how a home is built, what is behind the walls, and a plan for rebuilding the room. For example, knocking down a part of the wall that wasn’t supposed to come down can be an expensive mistake. Hiring someone to handle the demo work means they will also haul away the debris, which is an added benefit.
Chimney repairs
Chimney repairs require you to access the roof and have masonry knowledge. This project requires a skilled tradesperson and should be handled by a chimney repair professional.
Installing a water heater
If your water heater goes out, it can be tempting to plan on replacing it yourself. However, this is a project that a professional should handle. Not only are water heaters heavy, but they also require a gas line or electrical connection. Installing a water heater yourself can be a safety risk that isn’t worth the danger.
