The DIY movement has been gaining a lot of steam over the last few years, and there are many benefits to performing some repairs and renovations yourself. It’s also true that there are more things that you can DIY than many might imagine.
On the other hand, some things demand a certain level of skill to be performed well and safely, while others should be avoided at all costs unless you have professional experience. These could lead to severe property damage at best, and severe injuries at worst. Let’s take a look at some things you should never DIY, as well as some that you can.
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Don’t DIY Plumbing Work
Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom or experiencing plumbing problems, this is something you sometimes leave to the professionals. Just doing something as simple as forgetting to shut off a water line could lead to a complete disaster and one that will be expensive to fix.
So, if you need to install important components like a toilet, or want to switch things around, then it would be better to hire a plumber Stafford if you live in the area. A poorly made job might look good on the surface but lead to leakage, which can then result in mold and other structural issues. That’s why it’s always better to spend a little bit more now to avoid headaches in the future.
Do DIY Deck Installations
Deck jobs are probably one of the best jobs for novice DIYers. Not only does it require a limited skill set, but it’s also one of the projects that will give you the best return on investment. A deck could cost you a few hundred dollars to install but could add much more to your property’s value. Also, this is a great project if you want to test the waters and see if you have what it takes.
Don’t DIY Cabinet Paint Jobs
This one might seem surprising but repainting your cabinets on your own is generally not a good idea. That’s because cabinets are subject to very harsh conditions with the heat, condensation, and grease, and need to be treated carefully as a result.
They need to be degreased thoroughly before starting the job. Then, you will usually need to sand and prime the area, which demands significant experience. You will also need to know how to use a spray gun as you can’t expect to get professional results with rollers and brushes. So, as you can see, this is a much more extensive job than it looks, and it would be a better choice if you simply hired someone.
Do DIY Repainting the Front Door and Adding a Few Fixtures
However, one paint job you could do yourself with little risk and great results is repainting the front door. This is also another renovation that could help you significantly increase the value of your property. Doing something as simple as painting the front door could add as much as $6,000 to your home’s value, and it can be done in one single day.
Other things you could do yourself is adding new doorknobs and a few extra fixtures to make your front door area stand out even more. For instance, you could add shiny new house numbers and a mailbox to match. These might seem like minor touches but could really give your home an added sense of elegance and help it make a great first impression on prospective buyers.
Don’t DIY a Wall Removal
Before you pick up your sledgehammer and get to business, we strongly suggest that you speak with a contractor. This one is a bit tricky because you can do it yourself in some cases, and it can be a quick way to add space to a room, but a contractor will be able to tell you if the wall is load-bearing or not.
If you tear down a load-bearing wall, you could deal with some serious structural issues, like the ceiling caving in for instance. You could also suffer some injuries if you don’t go about it correctly. We would usually suggest that you leave that to a professional, but if you must, make sure that you at least consult one before getting started.
Do DIY Applying Wallpaper
One thing you can safely do yourself, however, is installing or removing wallpaper. You also shouldn’t cringe at the idea of wallpaper, even if you had trouble trying to install it yourself in the past. Removable wallpaper can be a quick and easy way to improve the look of any room, and you’ll find tons of great high-end options on the market. So, don’t be afraid to explore, and also look at possible paint/wallpaper combinations you could try as well.
Don’t DIY Installing a Skylight
While skylights can be a great addition to any home, these projects are notoriously difficult to perform yourself. In many cases, skylights end up leaking over time because they weren’t installed correctly. In other cases, the skylight ends up being damaged, which eventually leads to leaks. While their design has been improved over the last few years, it’s still a better option to work with a pro.
Do DIY Installing New Window Treatments
If you want to give any room a fresh new look or change how the light hits it, then one thing you could do is add new window treatments. This is a job you could easily do yourself and you can find easy-to-install curtains and shades, as well as rods in any hardware store. Also, check out no-sew curtains that you can easily trim yourself according to your needs.
So, before you start any DIY job, make sure that it’s safe and that you actually have the skills to do the job. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and trouble by getting it right the first time and not having to call a pro to clean your mess up, believe us.
