4 Home Repairs That Are Too Dangerous to DIY

When most DIY projects go wrong, the worst that happens is you lose a little time and money. But when it comes to home repairs, there’s a lot more at stake. DIY home repairs gone wrong can lead to thousands of dollars lost and irreparable damage to your home. In some cases, it could even put you in the hospital.

From shocking electricity to silent but deadly gases, houses are full of hidden risks. Avoid putting yourself in harm’s way by always hiring licensed professionals to handle these home repairs.

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Electrical Wiring

Do you have flickering lights, a buzzing sound coming from the breaker panel, or a circuit breaker that constantly trips? These are all signs that your electrical system is overloaded and in need of an upgrade before a fire sparks. Upgrading an electrical panel could cost as much as $4,000. Because of this, many homeowners wonder if they can DIY this job to save money. However, while DIY electrical repairs may be cheaper, they could cost big in other ways.

Home wiring carries enough amperage to cause serious electrical shock. In some cases, a home wiring slipup could cause lethal electrocution. While there are steps to take to prevent shock, they won’t eliminate the risk of a house fire due to faulty wiring. There’s no need to shy away from basic electrical tasks like replacing a light fixture. However, according to Family Handyman, homeowners should always hire a licensed electrician any time they need to replace, repair, or move electrical wiring and equipment.

Tree Removal

If a tree has fallen in your yard or there’s a tree that’s in danger of falling on your home, you’ll need to hire a professional to remove it. A tree removal service will have the expertise and proper equipment to handle this task. Typically, tree removal costs anywhere from $50 to $1,500, depending on the size of the tree and if it’s already fallen. Before hiring a service, insist on references and always review estimates to make sure there aren’t any hidden costs.

Gas Line Work

Upgrading from an electric to a gas stove, or installing a new water heater seems simple at first glance. However, it doesn’t take long for homeowners to find themselves in over their heads when it comes to gas lines. That’s because even if you think you’ve done everything right, DIY gas repairs can leave silent but deadly gas seeping into your home.

If you choose to install a new gas appliance yourself, buy a gas leak detector and hire a plumber to inspect your work. This Old House estimates an average cost of $45 to $65 for an hour of a plumber’s time. With that price, you’ll save money while gaining peace of mind. However, installing, moving, or repairing gas lines themselves should always be done by a licensed natural gas plumber.

Demolition

There are a few reasons you might want to demolish a wall, like creating an open-concept living area. However, while demolition can be straightforward, it only takes one wrong move to cause major problems. On top of the inherent risks of wielding demolition tools, homeowners have to worry about what’s hidden behind the drywall. Walls may be load-bearing, contain plumbing and electrical wiring, or hide much bigger structural problems that only a professional would recognize.

While there are precautions homeowners can take before demolishing a wall, it’s better to hire a pro if you’re not completely sure what’s behind it. Compared to the risks of DIY demolition, hiring a contractor is relatively affordable.

Expect to pay around $1,000 to remove a non-load-bearing wall. Load-bearing walls, on the other hand, are more complicated. You’ll need to consult with a structural engineer before moving forward. Not to mention it will have a higher price tag. Removing a load-bearing wall averages $3,000 for a one-story home or $10,000-$20,000 for multi-story residences.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or it’s your first time picking up a screwdriver. Some jobs simply aren’t worth the risk. Whether it’s a danger to your personal safety, or a risk to your home, the money you’d save isn’t enough to make these hazards worthwhile. Instead of taking the risk, play it safe and hire a pro.

By Megan Cooper – Real Life Home