DIY home improvement projects are in vogue these days. Many homeowners are tempted to save a ton of money by working on many home decor and repair projects on their own, often with good results. However, there are some repairs and undertakings which should be off-limits, as going the DIY route with these can end in a disaster. So be sure to steer clear of these 6 home improvement projects and call in the professionals.
Repairing Electric Installations
Electric panels, appliances, wires and installations should never be repaired or fixed in a DIY project. The reason for it is pretty straightforward, you run the risk of suffering from electric shock, can develop burns, or might suffer some other form of injury. Furthermore, even if you do manage the repairs without incident, there is always the risk of catching fires as the repair work may not be up to standard. This can, in turn, lead to a massive loss of property, and can easily be avoided by hiring professional electricians.
Electrical contractors are often certified and have years of experience, making them a safe bet in this situation. Moreover, most of them also have insurance on behalf of their company, so you aren’t held liable in the event of an accident. Therefore, if you are planning to get some electrical work done in your house, it would be best to call in the experts.
Kitchen Cabinet Repair
In your kitchen space, the cabinets take up the majority of space, especially if you are aiming for a classy aesthetic. However, over time, the cabinets can face problems in the form of water damage, discolouration or loose doors/hinges. You might think it will be easy and inexpensive to repair them on your own. But, the truth is, these cabinets have many intricate parts, and unless you are someone with a background in carpentry and designing cabinets, the result might be less than desirable.
Therefore, always go for expert cabinet manufacturers and installers for long-lasting results. For more durability, you can even go for textured sheet metal. It is aesthetically pleasing and has a unique texture, making it perfect for cabinet back panels, and it can be used in a myriad of home improvement and architectural projects. Lastly, it is easy to paint over them, so any discolouration can be quickly handled with a coat of fresh paint.
Restoring Gates And Fences
Gates and fences offer protection to the house from the elements. As a result, they tend to suffer from various repairs and problems such as storm damage, rust, leaning or even pest damage. So you might think repairing them by yourself or giving them a new paint job will be an easy task. Unfortunately, it might lead to more expensive repairs in the long run, as restoring fences and gates is a complicated endeavor. Gates can face numerous problems if installed incorrectly, such as sagging or water damage. Similarly, fences might end up with too many gaps or holes, thereby beating the purpose of having a fence in the first place.
Therefore, always go for professional installers and restorators when it comes to your gates and fences. It might cost more than going the DIY route, but the result will be far superior and will lead to fewer repairs down the road.
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Fixing Drawer Slides
Drawers are an integral part of any household. Right from cabinets and kitchen islands to any kind of conceivable furniture, drawers are pretty much a staple. Most drawers function with the aid of drawer slides. They are typically mounted atop these slides, allowing for smooth opening and closing motion. It is also often the first part of the drawer to get worn out or repaired. However, you should not change this part on your own, as it can lead to errors while installation, consequently leading to stuck drawers. To avoid this hassle, it is best to hire a handyman or professional who has access to the best tools and products and has experience with installing drawer slides.
Most professional installers are well-connected with reputed hardware suppliers, guaranteeing a great product that is robust and easy to operate. So the next time you are faced with a sticky drawer, put down the screwdriver and call the experts to make the fix easy and stress-free.
Installing A GFCI Switch
Ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI switch, in short, is an important electrical component in any household. These come in handy when moisture is present, such as kitchen or bathroom. If you are planning to install this switch by yourself, think again. Most of the GFCI switches installed today have undergone an upgrade or revamp, which is not addressed in most DIY videos regarding this topic. Therefore, you might end up incorrectly installing the switch, leading to safety lapses. You might find that the switch works, but it is not grounded properly, causing electric shocks.
Hence, always go for a licensed electrician when it comes to installing GFCI switches. They have experience with this particular part, have the right protective gear, and can save you major electrical issues in the long run. In fact, this is true not just for GFCI switches, but for all switches in general, as any kind of electrical equipment should not be installed in a DIY project.
Fixing Gas And Water Installations
This is a no-brainer, but a surprising number of people try to go DIY with gas and water installation, leading to disastrous results. In terms of fixing gas equipment or installing a new connection, being unlicensed and an amateur almost guarantees gas leaks. And everyone knows such gases are extremely flammable, making them a major hazard.
Similarly, when it comes to leaking pipes, or installing new connections, it requires welding in many junctions. This isn’t a simple weld either. It requires complex gear and safety equipment. Undertaking this task on your own can result in burn injuries and improper welds, leading to further leaks or outright pipe bursts. This can lead to a major plumbing repair, which can be easily avoided by opting for a professional plumber. Moreover, the pipes used in water installations are also hefty, making it a task that requires more manpower. So unless you are a professional plumber, steer clear of such projects.
Conclusion
To sum it up, DIY home improvement projects are a fantastic alternative to hiring contractors, saving a lot of time, energy and hassles. However, when it comes to these 6 areas, it is best to leave it to the professionals, as doing it on your own might have serious financial and safety repercussions.
FAQs:
- What are the most profitable home improvements?
Here are two of the most beneficial home renovation projects:
Kitchen remodelling: Depending on the extent and nature of the remodelling, it can appreciate as much as 60 to 120 percent in value. However, make sure to not go overboard as the space should match the rest of the house in terms of aesthetics.
Bathroom renovation/installation: Second to kitchen remodelling, renovating your bathroom can be an equally profitable investment. Aim to replace the sink, toilet and other such fixtures if you are looking for a revamp. As for installing a new one, it all comes down to how much space you have on your property.
- Which home repairs are most important?
Roof Repairing: Without a roof, the home will be exposed to the elements. Therefore it is vital for any home to constantly inspect and fix minor issues with the roof or shingles.
Foundation Repair: Just like the roof, an unsound foundation can collapse the whole house. Moreover, it isn’t usually noticeable until it’s too late. So it is vital to inspect for cracks, upheavals or floor sagging and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Exterior Paint: A good coat of exterior paint can immediately boost property value. Look for peeling paint, water damage, discolouration, mould or other similar problems and get them fixed right away.
- How do I find local repair people?
Here are 3 best ways to find a local expert for home repair:
Ask around: Often the best options are the simplest. Just ask your friends and family for any recommendations on a home repairman. Chances are someone will have leads for you. Moreover, since they have already worked with this professional, they can vouch for their work.
Try the local hardware store: The local hardware store can be an excellent resource for finding a quality repair worker. This is particularly useful if you have moved into a new area and require some repairs.
Repair worker directories: The internet is replete with directors offering contact information on local repair workers such as Houzz, HomeAdvisor or Yelp.
