We do a lot of home DIY projects.

Nick and I have owned several different homes over the years. It seems the older we get, the braver we are when it comes to home repairs and DIY projects. Who would have thought that we could on day build our own furniture, fix a water heater or even build a whole wooden shed by ourselves. You live and you learn, but, when in doubt, its always better to call in the pros.

A do-it-yourself project can be an empowering way to save money, provided you know what you’re doing. But making even one simple mistake could put a strain on your back and/or on your budget. A lot can go wrong, if you don’t know how to do it properly or maybe you don’t have the correct tools. Often, it’s best to go with common sense, put safety first and call a professional when faced with the following home DIY projects.

.

Here are five types of home improvement projects that are best left to the experts.

1. Plumbing or electrical projects

There’s a reason these are skilled trades. Both systems are complex, no matter how straightforward a repair may initially appear. Even small leaks can cause serious water damage, and faulty electrical wiring can lead to a house fire. Don’t risk flooding or electric shock. Call a plumber or hire an electrician to make sure these jobs are done right the first time.

Learn when it’s a good time to replace your water heater.

2. Renovations with possible code violations

Structural changes require a licensed contractor. Not only can shoddy craftsmanship severely affect your home’s value, but it can also put your family in danger. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall, for example, could cause an entire room to collapse. Why take the risk?

3. Repairs involving heights

More than 130,000 ladder-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. Roofs are very steep and hard to work on, so if you’re looking at a roof repair, consider calling a professional before attempting to complete the job yourself.

Even a simple job like cleaning your gutters can turn into nasty in a heartbeat. If you’re unsteady on your feet or overweight, you shouldn’t be on a ladder over 6 feet tall. It just isn’t worth the risk. Ask a neighbor to help you out or get a professional to do the job for you. It’s cheaper to pay a handyman than you end up in an emergency room. 

4. Tree removal

If you have one or a few trees you want removed from your backyard, you should think twice before cutting them down yourself. It can be very hard to gauge the height of a tree, so a tree that you think is too short to hit your home could be just big enough to reach it.

Cutting trees safely with a power chain saw is a delicate job involving complex angles and cuts. Leave this one to the tree experts, and both you and your home will be better off for it.

5. Time-sensitive projects

Weigh your work and family commitments before embarking on a home improvement project. Even if you’re confident in your abilities, the added pressure of a tight deadline can lead to unnecessary and often dangerous mistakes.

Remember, just because a DIY project looks simple doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and call a professional.

Can you think of other home DIY projects better left with a Pro? Leave us a comment below.