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Many
homeowners love nothing more than to plan and dream about the perfect
room, or the best way to add value to their house before trying to
sell it. There are many reasons why you might want to tackle a home
improvement project, but in some cases, it’s best to let the
professionals come in and take over.
These
are the jobs that are just too big or too demanding
for the average homeowner to handle: roofing, electrical, plumbing
and mold removal. These can be dangerous jobs, so it’s important to
know when to step back and call an expert. Despite the influx of
television shows and magazines telling us that we can just DIY it,
some things are best left to the pros.
Here
are a few tips on how to know which projects to take on yourself and
which ones to stay away from.
Wiring
Unless
you’re a licensed electrician, you’ll want to let a professional
handle any wiring
around your home, even for something that seems simple. Working with
electricity can be dangerous, and if you’re unsure of what you’re
doing, you might cause more damage and end up having to spend way
more money.
Working
with gas
If
your home has gas appliances or gas heat, let it be. Working with gas
can be extremely dangerous for several reasons, not the least of
which is the fact that it’s highly unstable in its natural form.
Call your utilities company for information about digging around gas
pipes or installing/removing gas appliances.
Up
on the rooftop
Working
on the roof doesn’t always require a pro, but replacing shingles,
removing asbestos or mold, or fixing wood rot does. If you have roof
damage or just feel it’s time for a new one, do some research on
the best companies in your area and talk to your insurance company
before making any decisions. As with electrical work, these jobs can
be dangerous and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone without
experience. For more info on mold and asbestos removal, click here.
Home
additions
Some
modifications are DIY projects that can be done in a weekend, while
others require a lot of time, money and materials. You’ll want to
do your homework before starting any big projects When it comes to
adding new rooms,
hanging drywall, or completing renovations in a kitchen or bathroom,
it’s best to talk to a pro.
Tree
removal
Trees
can be a beautiful addition to your yard, and they can provide some
much-needed shade for your home in the summer. However, when a big
storm comes and knocks one down, a tree can be a pain to get rid of.
They can also cause damage to your property, so call a pro to haul
off any trees or big limbs that fall after a storm.
Know
the laws in your area
Before
beginning any project--DIY or not--it’s best to be familiar with
the laws
in your area regarding building codes and digging. Look online to
find out any info about your project idea and call your utilities
company or a local government office for tips on how to make it a
success.
A
good rule of thumb is to take into consideration how long a project
will take, what the materials will cost, and whether or not you have
the ability to complete a project on your own. With some ideas, it
will cost you less to call in a pro. Also, a pro may have access to
discounts that the average person doesn’t.
Article Written By:
Erin Reynolds
Founder + Blogger + App Investor + Chief DIYer
DIYMama.net