16 Home Improvements and Repairs That Are Best Not to DIY

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There are raft of projects that handy DIYers can do without the help of a professional let in painting , installing molding , and replacing loose switches . There are other tasks that call for a accredited professional , peculiarly jobs that involve plumbing , galvanising , and HVAC installations and repairs .

Improperly do home improvements may cause injury , null warrantee , compromise insurance claim , and complicate resale — and some arebuilding code infringement . In these instances , we recommend hiring a pro rather than risking your safety — or your home ’s wiseness — for the sake of saving a few dollars .

Low angle of a man with tools climbing a ladder onto roof of a house.

Photo: istockphoto.com

1. Switch Out a Cooktop

Are you call back of switch from anelectric range to a gas stoveand installing the appliance yourself ? conceive again . This is a project for not just one , but two professionals who have to encounter codes and inspect the finished intersection . Agas stoverequires both electricity and natural gas to serve in good order , so charter a plumber to add the petrol line and an lineman to modify the electrical circuit . Otherwise , this middling prosperous spiritual rebirth could have explosive consequence .

2. Disturb Old Insulation

If youown an erstwhile home , the attic insulation may hold toxic asbestos . While DIYasbestos removalis technically possible , it ’s not recommend — and in some states , it ’s illegal . There are legion Torah in situation to shape asbestos removal because of how serious disturbing its fiber can be to the health of those in close proximity . What ’s the best course of action ? charter an asbestos abatement team .

3. Repair Your HVAC System

Repairing or replace anHVAC systemis hazardous . While it may be tantalizing to fix it yourself , it ’s probably best if you do n’t . Freon leaks are severe , and can cause dizziness , asphyxia , and other respiratory trouble . Air conditioning and heating plant maintenance calls for a accredited pro who has undergo a rigorous training and certification cognitive process . Plus , a manufacturer may void your warranty if an unlicenced person worked on the system .

4. Replace a Hot Water Tank

While installing or replace awater heatermay seem like a DIY suited for the weekend warrior , grappling with 240 V of electricity or overprotect with gas lines , which could result in an explosive leak , is not a chore for the inexperienced . Because of the permits , code adherences , safety regulation , and risks — like possible carbon monoxide emissions — a licensed pipe fitter is the best candidate to take on this project .

5. Pump the Septic System

Of all of the tasks on your habitation - upkeep to - do list , this is one of the more unpleasant . But waste removal is n’t just gross — working on sterile tankrequires specific equipment , as well as permits to dispose of the dissipation properly . The only do - it - yourself step you need to take with this task is to clean up the phone and call a professional .

6. Wrangle Wildlife

Has a rodent deal up residence in your rafters ? Before confronting the threat yourself , realize this : Some specie , such asraccoons , skunks , andbats , are prone to carry rabies , and you may have to answer to the law if they are harmed , or trapped and relocated , without the help of a pro . Do n’t peril transmission ; contact awildlife - control companyinstead . These licensed professional will take away the animals , secure the possible action , scavenge out nest , and eliminate barren . Do n’t be your own critter ridder . It ’s just not deserving take chances your safety .

7. Knock Out a Wall

If you ’re recollect about transforming your home ’s closed - in layout to anopen floor plan , removing a rampart may well be part of the appendage . Our advice ? Always think twice before swinging asledgehammer . Never take out a load - bearing rampart on your own , as there are safety issue — and possible construction code violations — to consider . Some cities ask remotion permits if the wall you want to take down is morphological . Consult an engineer or a contractor before you do anything , or you could do major damage to the unity of your business firm .

8. Tinker With Light Fixtures

If you ’re look to substitute or add up lightheaded fixtures that will dissemble theelectrical wiring , it ’s better to call in an electrician than to have a go at it yourself . If you do n’t obtain the proper permits or do n’t have the fixture instal by a professional , the indemnity company has grounds to refuse your title in the event of ahouse fire — and defective wiring is one of the direct causes of residential fires .

9. Install a Skylight

Installing a skylightrequires cut a hole , install a frame , and match a windowpane into the roof of a home . If this project is n’t finish by a pro who will follow the manufacturer ’s program line to the letter , the fanlight ’s guarantee may be voided . And need we remind you that a part of the facility would take place on a roof ? Let the pros climb the high ladders . You ’d need a fanlight installer ’s experience and a windowpane company ’s specialized creature and expertise to get the occupation done safely and effectively , anyway .

10. Remove Lead-Based Paint

own an demode farmhouse may seem like a dream , butremoving the jumper cable paintcould be a nightmare . Seventy - five percentage of homes establish before 1978 may containlead - based blusher , which is a serious job for even experienced professionals . Lead is deadly , which is why you should never , under any fate , try on to remove lead paint yourself . It ’s beneficial to call a qualified specialist than to risk your living to spare a few vaulting horse .

11. Cut Down a Large Tree

When a expectant tree take to be hack down , resist the itch to channelise your interior feller . leave behind majortree removalto a certified tree surgeon who is familiar with city ordinance and bear ample liability insurance to cover hazards or accidents . Without an experienced professional handling the job , a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree could bring where it was n’t intended to and cause serious injury or property damage .

12. Replace a Garage Door Spring

Over time , garage doorway springslose their tension and want to be replaced . Since the first and final step need discharge and returning the tension to the springiness , one misstep can cause the bound to go hurtle toward your body , resulting in serious , even fatal injury . Always call agarage door installationspecialist to take charge of the spring transposition .

13. Take Out Termites

white ant job cost property possessor more than $ 5 billion a class . Damage the insects do to your menage may not be cover by your insurance company and a far-flung infestation can not be push with computer storage - bribe solutions . DIY - ing this problem will not get you far . Instead , act tight and call anexterminatorwho has admittance to the most potent products , which are usable only to pro .

14. Alter Bathroom Plumbing

Whilereplacing a toiletor sinkhole is something most experienced DIYers can successfully take on , if the installing requires any changes to theplumbing stemma , it ’s best to lease a plumber . licence are usually require to make changes to the layout of bathroom fixture , and it ’s important to ensure the young plumbery connecter are done the right way . Not only can an neutered bathroom become a problem for a succeeding firm sale , but toxic odors and drain issues triggered by a botched occupation could make the bathroom dangerous to use .

15. Demolish a Shed

Just because you own a property , it does n’t mean you are de jure able to demolish any structures on it . Before exact down a detach structure like ashed , check with the local building code official to find out if you need a demolition permit . For larger shed that have bathymetry and electric lean to them , even more steps are require to safely pulverize them .

16. Build a Deck

construct a decksounds like a task many ready to hand homeowners could DIY , but not without a lot of geomorphological planning , a permit , and inspections . The local building code office will review the deck architectural plan , claver the site to inspect the footings and framing , and then recall to inspect the completeddeck . Keep in intellect that any structure that will be attached to a home or is more than 30 inches tall take a permit .

This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . teach why we weigh this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

Handyman fixing gas stove in the kitchen.