As a homeowner, you’re going to get an “itch” to do some DIY projects… that’s perfectly normal. Certain DIY projects are great for even the most novice of homeowners. But then there are those homeowners who overestimate their DIY capabilities and decide they can take on major home renovations just because they’ve watched a few YouTube videos.
Sure, painting your grandmother’s old rocking chair was a project that you attempted and successfully completed but pouring concrete and roof repairs are renovation projects that probably go way beyond your skill level or capabilities. Doing renovations on your own will indeed save on costs of labor but you have to ask yourself if you can actually take on that project and produce the results you desire?
As a homeowner attempting renovation projects, safety needs to be your number one concern. But again, some homeowners have a hard time determining when it’s safe to DIY and when a project is beyond their capabilities. A good rule of thumb to have in determining when a home DIY project is safe to do is to look at these things:
- Is your home renovation project something you want to do for fun, or is it something that needs to get done? Typically, when a home renovation project is something that needs to be done, it poses more of a sense of urgency and is more than likely something that’s crucial to the overall structure of your home, meaning a professional should do it.
- Is your home renovation project one that can easily be accomplished just from reading or watching a tutorial? If it’s something that gives you the slightest bit of anxiety about, you need to hire a professional.
When You Should Hire a Professional
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Because safety is the number one concern with any home renovation project, the biggest determiner of if you should hire a professional is if any mistake you make with a particular project will cause bodily harm or damage to your home. It could be the tiniest mistake, but if it causes you to hurt yourself or damage your home, you definitely need to hire a professional for it.
In case you’re not sure what type of projects you should hire professionals for, take a look at the top home renovation projects you should always hire a professional for.
Light Installations
Installing new lights isn’t like buying new lamps that you can just screw in a light bulb… When you get in the area of light installations, you’re getting into the world of wiring, which if done incorrectly, can cause serious damage. Everything from electrocution to sparking outlets, you’re playing with fire, literally and figuratively, simply because dealing with faulty wiring is one of the biggest causes of house fires.
Sure, installing new lighting is one of the best ways to upgrade a small kitchen or change the tone of an entire room, but is it really worth potentially hurting yourself or damaging your home? Before you jump on YouTube to figure out how to install pendant lights or a chandelier in your bedroom, hire a professional to do it for you.
Window Installation or Replacements
Windows are like the eyes of your home. They allow sunshine to enter your home and they allow fresh air to enter your home as well. But when windows are poorly installed, they can also be a huge money pit for your home’s energy consumption.
If your electricity bill is consistently high and you can’t figure out why, you more than likely have leaks or cracks around your windows, causing them to need to be replaced. Window replacement is going to be a bit of a pricey repair, but it’s a repair that’s best left to professionals who will do it correctly. Attempting it on your own can cause you to waste money by not installing it right.
If your windows need to be replaced, turn to trusted companies like Kansas City window replacement contractors to handle your replacement needs.
Roof Installation or Repairs
According to US News, falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths and takes nearly 6,000 lives every year. Everything from slips in the bathroom to, you guessed it, roof repairs, are some of the top factors that play a significant role in injuries.
These types of injuries, of course, can be reduced. For bathroom slips, install grab bars near toilets and in the shower. For roof repairs, hire a professional. If you have no experience in roofing, you have no reason to put your life at risk to try to fix it yourself. One misstep can cause severe injury and even death.
The Reality of DIY Projects
Not all home DIY projects are created equally. Some are easy and fun while others are more labor-intensive and time-consuming. Before you break out your toolbox, take the time out to assess whether or not the project you want to attempt is realistic for your capabilities. Safety comes first, and if a certain project threatens your safety, hire a professional… your safety and well-being are worth it.
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