5 Times DIY is a Bad Idea

In the age of the DIY craze, many people choose to take on home improvement projects themselves. However, there are several areas of home improvement that are dangerous, prone to errors or accidents and really (really!) should be left to the professionals.

1. Plumbing

Water damage is messy, time-consuming, and expensive to fix. The potential financial catastrophe that could result from a plumbing job gone wrong should be enough to deter even the most confident DIY-er.

2. Electrical Work

For your own safety, all home improvement projects that require electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Mistakes made here can lead to serious injuries or even electrocution.

3. Roofing

Besides the obvious danger associated with being up so high, there’s also the very real possibility that errors in laying the roofing material can lead to expensive leaks later on.

4. Exterior Painting

Especially for 2+ story homes, painting the exterior of your home can be dangerous if it means you have to do so while balancing on a ladder.

5. Flooring

Flooring projects – from hardwood to carpet to tile – aren’t usually dangerous, but they are hard to get right. Measuring the space to accurately assess the materials needed is prone to mistakes, and may end up costing you more in time and frustration than you would have paid to a carpenter.

DIY projects can be satisfying and save you money, but a few are just not worth the attempt. Sometimes it’s smarter and less expensive to just hire out projects such as the ones listed above.

This information is provided for your convenience and is not intended as insurance advice. The views, opinions, and advice expressed in this article do not represent those of Homesite Group Incorporated. Please consult your insurance carrier or agent for information regarding your policy or coverages.