Since when did it become uncool to have a home improvement wishlist? Come on, admit it; you’ve got one. We’ve all got one. And if you don’t, let us tell you: you’re missing out.
Allow us a moment of indulgent daydreaming about our dream home. For some, that wish list might detail several Lamborghinis parked in the drive, a drive which is, of course, paved with gold. Others might harbour more modest ambitions: a jacuzzi, perhaps, or one of those taps which instantly produces boiling water. Hey, some of us have a tea habit to tend to. Others still may simply long for their bathroom light to stop flickering.
Either end of the spectrum is entirely valid because, after all, what is a home without comfort?
It’s from this never-ending pursuit of comfort that DIY projects have gained such enduring popularity. There’s something undeniably satisfying about rolling up one’s sleeves and getting stuck in. In the right hands, doing the job yourself can save you money and prove rather rewarding to boot.
In the wrong hands, however, the outcome can be disastrous. If you’re wondering whether a task around the house is DIY-worthy or best left to the experts, read on. Here are some home improvement projects where only the professionals will do.
Structural Adjustments
Grand Designs and its ilk just love to effortlessly take down or knock through a wall, opening up a room to improve the flow of a home or granting more space to an already generous footprint. Oh, how they make it look so easy.
In reality, it’s anything but. Any structural adjustment to your home needs to be undertaken under the guidance of a structural engineer. Most walls and beams bear the weight of the house and keep it upright. If they are taken down or adjusted without proper precaution, the house could come crumbling down. And you don’t want that.
Concerning home extensions in particular, keep in mind that they were not approved as part of the original structure of your house. As such, they may require fresh approval before you can proceed knocking elements of them through or down. For this, you may need architectural blueprints to make an application for planning permission, thereby necessitating the services of an architect.
Electrical Projects
Electrocution, voltage overload and electrical fires are all compelling reasons to be wary of taking on DIY electrical projects. This is one area where rolling the dice simply isn’t worth it and could end up costing you far more than money if things go awry.
Indeed, the experts at TBE Electrical LTD advise that not only should you hire a professional, but it’s also wise to ensure they’re certified in the specific field you’re dealing with. This will give you peace of mind that they understand what they’re doing and, if anything goes wrong, they can be held liable.
That said, there are electronic tasks that require little professional input. Changing a lightbulb, for instance. We’re only half joking; if you’re looking to change the lighting fixtures permanently in your home, always get a professional electrician to help.
Structural Plumbing Issues
Few things will break your spirit quite like trying to fix a leaking pipe only for it to burst and flood the room. Here’s a tip: always turn off the mains when plumbing is under repair. Here’s an even better tip: call in a plumber.
Plumbing problems come in all shapes and sizes, from niggling annoyances like a dripping tap all the way to major leaks that can cause severe structural damage to your property if left to run riot. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t try to fix either yourself.
You should also be aware that your home plumbing extends beyond the pipes inside your house all the way to the main sewer line. By law, you are not liable for structural plumbing issues involving the main supply line and should not attempt any repairs. Be sure to alert the authorities immediately and file a complaint if there are more comprehensive issues occurring; it’s likely their responsibility to get things fixed.
Fumigation, Painting & Insulation
You might be wondering what links these seemingly disparate jobs. Well, the short answer is: chemicals. Not convinced? Consider that fumigation, painting, insulation and garden care using herbicides all involve substances that, whilst beneficial in the right, gloved hands, can pose serious health risks if deployed with reckless abandon and no prior expertise.
Paying a professional service provider may feel like an inconvenience, but it is far safer, particularly during the aftercare stage, when allowing your home sufficient time to aerate is essential.
Advanced Security Systems Installation
The do-it-yourself home security market has exploded in recent years, and you can see why; for a couple of hundred quid you can have a rather impressive home security system. Installing it correctly, however, is another matter entirely.
Security systems help you sleep a little easier at night, make no mistake. However, the irony of smart cameras is that they can end up being a security risk when installed incorrectly, due to their potential for hacking in such cases. If your home security system isn’t installed by a professional, you run the risk of your home being unprotected and prone to cyber attack and, potentially, physical intrusion.
It’s therefore essential to have a vetted security professional handle installation for you. This is particularly pertinent if your property enjoys the many benefits of smart technology and appliances.
Finally, it’s also sensible to seek professional assistance when installing a home security system since cameras placed or angled incorrectly could fall foul of privacy laws, unlawfully intruding on a neighbour’s personal space. Don’t get on the wrong side of the law; seek a professional in such instances.
The Bottom Line
In the broader scheme of things, almost every project presents a level of risk. The trick lies in choosing your battles wisely. Whilst some home renovation projects can be handled by an enthusiastic amateur, some simply shouldn’t be. By engaging a professional, you might even learn some valuable lessons on how to handle the problem next time. Win-win.
