7 DIY Projects That Will Cost You More Money Than Hiring A Professional

Some DIY projects may look fun to do and cost-effective while hiring a professional may seem expensive and unnecessary. But in reality, ill-planned DIY home projects can be costly, time-consuming, and in some cases, even dangerous affairs. Even a little mistake can set you back, and you’d have to start all over again, losing out on precious time and money. Therefore, certain jobs are best left to professionals, and it might cost you less.

1. Gas Related Repairs

In the US, 400 people die of carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Though you may think that this can only happen from automobile fumes, many appliances in your home that run on gas, ranging from your water heater to dryer can also lead to CO poisoning. Attempting to repair or replace any gas lines connected to appliances can prove to be deadly. This job is safer in the hands of a professional who has experience working with gas appliance repairs. After all, safety should be your priority.

2. Flooring

Flooring can look easy and seem like the perfect DIY job. However, the truth is there is much more than just ripping up the old flooring to replace it with the new. Whether it’s tile, wood, or carpet, there are many steps to follow to achieve your goal. Any misstep can mean redoing everything from the start.

In addition, you can never anticipate what you’d find underneath the old flooring. The flooring itself could be damaged, warped, or in need of staining. Apart from this, the subfloor can be rotten or cracked, which needs to be disposed of appropriately before anything else. Your trash cannot handle the sheer amount of waste that can come from this DIY project. Calling a professional would ensure the whole process to be done quickly and with no hassle.

3. Wiring

Anything related to wiring should not be done by yourself. It’s not just the risk of electrocution that you need to be wary of; messing up can change the polarity of the wires, and you can lose the power supply to your entire home. Instead of making things worse, hiring a professional can resolve any problem with minimal risks and won’t cost as much as an accident would in setting you back. Wiring projects also require a permit and sometimes an inspection to complete.

4. Landscaping

Small landscaping work is doable on your own as opposed to planting medium or large-sized trees. If you want these shrubs or trees to survive more than a season, you need to provide special care to help them. The same thing applies to removing trees. Tree limbs can cause damage to your telephone lines, car, house, and more. Even digging up stumps can lead to roots interfering with water or electrical pipelines. It is better to get professional help as they can aesthetically plan the layout and cause minimal damage.

5. Plumbing

Clogged bathtubs and sinks can easily be cleared away yourself. However, anything bigger is better handled by professionals. Fixing the main pipe under the sink, installing a toilet or shower, or redoing the plumbing should not be undertaken as a DIY project. Doing the plumbing in an incorrect manner can lead to even more expensive repairs. A leak can mean rotting wood, structural damage, hazardous mold, and more - all of which are best left to a plumbing expert who can do the job appropriately.

6. Walls

It could seem there is nothing easier than ripping out a wall. However, that is not the case, if the wall has plumbing lines or electrical wiring inside or supports another part of the building. Ripping down a wall in a haphazard manner can cause severe damage to your home’s structure.

You would even require special permits for this kind of work. Going ahead without a permit can result in a hefty fine. Professionals know about the rules and regulations concerning this work and can work well within them.

7. Roofing

A roofing DIY project involving some gutter work or a minor shingle is alright as long as it is a single-story house. Falling from a roof is a danger that even professionals are wary of. Apart from the risk involved, any misplacement of shingles can lead to a leaky roof. This again can lead to much bigger problems like mold, water damage, fire hazards, etc., from water collecting near electrical outlets.

Major repairs or replacement of your household’s structure, systems, and appliances should be left to professionals. DIY projects can sometimes make a bad situation worse and may end up costing you more than you thought.

To further reduce the cost of repair and replacement of your household’s appliances and systems, you can buy a home warranty policy. An annual home warranty plan will end up costing you anywhere between $300-$600 while a sudden and unexpected repair or replacement can cost thousands of dollars. Learn more about the top home warranty companies, their coverage, and more on homewarrantyreviews.com.