The DIY projects you must never tackle

The DIY projects you must never tackle | H is for Home

While you might be a dab hand with a paintbrush or can apply wallpaper like a pro, there are some home improvement projects you would be smart to avoid. It is common for some home-owners’ DIY dreams to get ahead of their skill-set, which can lead to damage to their property.

When renovating your home, there are some tasks that should be left to the professionals. Learn about the DIY projects you must never tackle yourself.

Sanding a short plank of wood

Floor sanding

Never assume sanding a floor is easy, because it isn’t. It’s a skill that takes a great deal of time to master and attempting to do it yourself could permanently damage your flooring. It could lead to a variety of lumps and bumps that will not only stand out in your interior, but it could reduce your home’s value.

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Group of sledgehammers

Removing a wall

If you want to create a more open-plan home, you might be tempted to take a sledgehammer to a wall. However, before you do so, you must consult a contractor to identify if it is a load-bearing wall.

If you do hit a load-bearing wall, not only do you risk the roof collapsing and the ceiling caving in, but you could be seriously hurt. Instead, hire an experienced professional to do the hard work for you.

Person testing a fuse box

Electrical wiring

While it’s often perfectly safe to install a dimmer switch or light fixture with instructions, this is where you should leave your electrical wiring projects. Unless you’re a licensed electrician, wiring should always be left to the pros. If you fail to do so, you could experience an electrical shock or set fire to your property.

Drawing with a pencil on a white brick wall using a spirit level

Fixing drywall

It might be tempting to fix broken drywall for yourself to restore your interior, but it is possible you will make the problem worse instead of better. Unless you want to exacerbate the issue, you would be smart to get in touch with a reputable Houston drywall repair expert, who can quickly and easily repair a wall to its former glory.

Group of large metal weights

Lifting heavy objects

Even if you pump iron at the gym seven days per week, you should still stay away from DIY projects that require you to move heavy objects from one place to another. For example, carrying a granite worktop could lead to a physical injury, and you could potentially damage the expensive material. Remember, the pros will have the experience and tools needed to quickly and effectively lift and transport the objects.

Two men reroofing a house

Repairing a roof

If you have noticed the wind blew away some shingles or you have a leak in your bedroom ceiling, you might be tempted to take to a roof to make an essential repair. However, not only will the DIY project pose a risk to your safety, but you’ll also need to:

  • Identify the location of the problem
  • Replace the shingles without causing additional damage
  • Buy the tools needed for the DIY project
  • Match the roofing materials

Amateur workmanship could also cause you more problems in the future, which is why it’s a smart idea to enlist the help of an experienced roofing specialist such as Team Roofing. It will ensure your roof remains in great condition for many years to come.

Dripping kitchen tap

Resolving low water pressure

If water is running from a tap at a snail’s pace, it is more than likely due to low water pressure. While it’s fine to remove an aerator and remove any gunk or debris, you should leave more complex tasks to the professionals. Low water pressure could be an indication of a much bigger problem inside a plumbing system, such as:

  • A water leak within the system
  • A fractured pipe
  • An eroded water line

Stainless steel dishwasher and stack of white crockery

Installing a dishwasher

While some retailers can provide free installation for a dishwasher, others might not. If they don’t, hiring a pro will be worth the extra expenditure. Many home-owners don’t realise that dishwashers come with many pieces and tasks to perform.

For instance, you need to:

  • Drill a hole in a cabinet for a water line
  • Position the water and electric lines
  • Attach the water lines

It can be rather tricky to set-up, which is why you should avoid embarking on the task yourself if you lack experience.

Always make an informed decision before attempting any home improvement project, as it could be more complicated than you think. By doing so, you could save yourself money in the long-run and can create a safe, beautiful home for both you and your family.

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