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8 Home Repairs You Should Leave to the Pros

In the past decade or so, DIY has gone from a niche hobby to a national pastime. The popularity
of DIY TV shows and blogs has allowed many people to discover a passion for doing their own
home repairs and renovations, and that’s a wonderful thing. However, some projects are too
complex or too risky for the home tinkerer and should most definitely involve professionals.
It is important to bear in mind that many of the below projects are not just dangerous,
impractical, or potentially expensive to DIY: some of them are illegal . Make sure to fully
research a project before tackling it, and never do anything that involves strict inspection codes.

Electrical

Unless you have a good in-depth knowledge of electrical systems, stay away from any wiring or
repair jobs. The risks are numerous: electrical shock, fire, expensive fines from having a non-
inspected electrical repair. It just isn’t worth it.

Roof Repair

Repairing a damaged shingle can seem like a straightforward job, but roof repair is one of the
most dangerous home projects there is — over 2,000 Americans die every year from falling off a
roof. Just don’t risk it and call in a professional roofer, who will have the correct training and
equipment to do the job correctly and safely.

Tree Removal

Removing a tree from your yard is too dangerous to do by yourself. You need to control how
and where the tree falls to keep your home and yourself safe, and it’s very hard to do that
without the proper training and tools. Make sure you get several estimates when shopping
around for tree removal, and check what their options are for wood removal and stump grinding.
According to Angie’s List, the national average cost for this service is between $1,050 and
$1,450, so keep that in mind when putting together your household budget.

Plumbing

Some plumbing jobs are quite straightforward, such as unblocking a drain or fixing a leaky tap.
These can be DIYed at no risk and without spending money on a plumber. However, anything
more complex should absolutely be referred to a professional. As well as risking damage to your
plumbing, some jobs can be outright dangerous.

HVAC Systems

Although you can easily swap out air filters (though it’s always important to
know the sizes you
need), when it comes to HVAC problems, it’s always best to leave repairs to the pros. These
systems have a lot of different elements and moving parts, and one wrong move could result in
severe damage — the type that could result in a new unit. So, if you suspect something’s wrong
with your HVAC, it’s best to bring in someone who has the tools and experience.

Exterior Painting

Pretty much anyone can add a coat of paint to an interior wall and, assuming they’ve done all
the proper prep, do a good job. Exterior painting is a lot trickier. The paint has to withstand the
elements and keep looking good come rain, wind, or shine. The prep is a lot more complex, and
you’re dealing with a large complex surface rather than a simple wall. For most exterior paint
jobs, you’ll want to hire a crew of professionals.

New Doors And Windows

Most people would not assume that they can DIY a door or window installation, but some may
be tempted by the cost savings. However, both are very particular jobs requiring special
equipment and expertise, and the money you spend on the materials will be wasted if you install

them incorrectly. This applies especially to replacement windows, which are often installed to
increase energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Your first consideration when selecting which jobs to DIY should always be safety. Most of
these jobs are too dangerous to be attempted without professional experience. However, the
cost is also a big consideration. Remember that repairing a botched DIY job will often be far
more expensive than the original work would have been. Be honest about your capabilities and
be smart about your DIY decisions — your family and home will thank you.