9 Home Projects that are best Left to the Experts

9 Home Projects that are best Left to the Experts

Martin Howard April 7, 2015 View all blog articles

Buying or having a residential property is already costly in itself. Thus, it's no surprise that most homeowners consider and choose to DIY some home projects instead of consulting with and letting professionals do the job.

Also, going for a DIY home project or improvement can literally and figuratively provide the space or furniture a personal touch, which a lot of people love. However, going for the do-it-yourself approach can also cost more, and we are not just talking about money.

Angie Hicks, founder of online referral service Angie's List www.angieslist.com says that "[t]housands of people, for example, end up in the emergency room every year because of ladder falls, power tools that got away from them, situations like that. Even if you're not injured, you could end up paying twice for the project – once for your attempt and then again when you're in over your head and have to call a pro to fix the mess." No one, of course, would ever want an unfinished or destroyed space in the house, plus a fractured limb, which definitely would need one to eventually call a pro.

Another thing, hiring an expert could also be based on the amount of time a certain project could consume. If a homeowner can really do the home improvement but for a longer period of time than that of a pro, s/he has to consider then the effort s/he wishes to exchange for a seemingly cheaper approach. Moreover, longer duration could also mean more expense on things like electricity, water, or other supplies. And so, thorough research and evaluation of one's abilities and the project's requirements must be done before anything else.

If one really wants to do some DIY project, s/he could go for minor tasks or small projects that will take an hour or two to finish. But unless one has the tools, knowledge, and most importantly, skills to take on a certain major home project, it is time to call the pros. And to give an idea on when to leave the job to them, here are 9 home projects and improvements that are best taken care of by the experts:

  1. Repainting a Room or the Entire House

    Interior designer Wilmer Lopez cautions that large-scale areas take a lot of time and work, "especially for outdoors and waterproofing." Thus, professionals like those in www.zillow.com should be looked for.

  2. Repainting or Refinishing a Furniture Piece

    If you are not familiar with the material or texture that your furniture has and the appropriate finishes that should be applied, then it's time to raise the white flag to the experts.

  3. Fixing or Changing a Ceiling

    Even though it's just a minor problem, when it comes to your ceiling, you would still need a good carpenter to have it fixed. However, for popcorn ceiling or carpentry framing, one will need a contractor or a foreman because they know the process or material that works best for the type of home or room you have.

  4. Electrical and Plumbing Work

    Leave the attempts to do things like installing a shower or sink and changing the electrical work of your house to the pros, because these tasks need a permit and inspection. Also, better let the experts do it if you do not want to mess up your home's electric wiring, damage some pipes, or create waterlogged walls, together with other expensive issues. For expert help, you may check out www.amiguam.com/services/technical-services/plumbing.

  5. Wallpapering

    Again, for large-scale areas like wide walls and for complex patterns, it is advisable to hire a professional.

  6. Removing a Wall

    Patty Golob of Encore Real Estate NW says that even though "[i]t may seem like a good idea to knock down a small wall in your house to open up the kitchen or create a bigger living room...it isn't as easy as it may appear. If the wall is load-bearing or supports any part of the house, or if it holds electrical or plumbing, you could cause serious damage to the structure of your home."

    Golob suggests then to "[c]onsider consulting with a building engineer before attempting to knock down a wall. A building engineer can give you advice on the best way to remove the wall and let you know if any special permits are needed."

  7. Tree Removal

    Whether it's cutting down an overgrown tree or digging up a giant stump, doing this yourself—even with relatives—is definitely discouraged since the probability of getting an injury to the person under or nearby the tree is seriously high. Also, other things like your car and telephone wires can be damaged during the process, not to mention the water or electrical pipes underground that could be pulled up or moved.

  8. Flooring

    Golob mentions too that if a homeowner plans to rip up carpet or lay new tile, s/he might have to call a pro, since one "might not know what's underneath (the) carpet and if the subfloor is damaged or rotten." One then could end up shelling out thousands in extra costs just to have the floor repaired. And certainly, as Golob adds, "[l]aying tile is...(a) delicate and very precise project—if the tiles aren't cut perfectly, laid completely straight, or if one of them cracks, [one] may have to start all over." Thus, leave the job to the pros, like the ones in http://www.jurispro.com/category/flooring-s-261/GU.

  9. Pool Repair and Installation

    Not only will you need skills, and more manpower, but also special tools, products, and large construction equipment in repairing, remodeling, and installing either an above or in-ground pool. Golob warns that, "Measurements must be precise, permits and inspections must be passed, and [one] must consider how the ground and concrete will settle and shift over time." One must depend then on professionals like those in www.guamlandscaping.com.

    In the end, it will still be the homeowner's wants, needs, security, and satisfaction that these experts will aim for, hence, a win-win situation.