Whether we like it or not, home maintenance can get expensive. Even something as simple as a leaky pipe could cost anywhere from $45 to $200 an hour if you were to hire a plumber. But when we spend most of our days at home, doing the work yourself doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Not only would you save money, but you’ll also feel a sense of pride from completing the project successfully.

There’s only one small problem. While some DIY home improvement projects may end up well, others won’t finish the way you want them. At times, these DIY projects can get you in a worse situation than you started in, or in some cases, even land you in the hospital. From plumbing to roof repairs, you’ll want to think twice before trying out these home improvements.

Electrical Work and Repairs

Simple repairs like changing out a light bulb are safe to do on your own, but anything more advanced than that should be left to professionals. Working on any aspect of your electrical system when you don’t know what you’re doing can lead to otherwise avoidable accidents, such as electric shocks. Not only that, but installing new fixtures or wiring requires one to be familiar with the local codes, have the appropriate permits for wire repair, replacement, or installation, and have the work thoroughly inspected.

Tile Work

Home improvement shows may make doing your own tiling look easy, but like most things you see on TV, they aren’t as easy as you think. You might be thinking of saving money by laying your own tiles, but this is a decision you may end up regretting. This is especially important to keep in mind if you ever decide to do the tiling yourself in an attempt to waterproof your bathroom.

Getting it wrong can cause significant damage to your bathroom and end up costing you more money in the long run.

Plumbing

Knowing how to fix a leaky sink or a clogged toilet isn’t a green light for you to fumble around with your plumbing system whenever you find a problem. Plumbing and electrical systems are very close to each other, especially in a bathroom setting. Unless you feel like getting electrocuted today, you might want to stay away from trying to fix something you’re not very sure about.

Trying to tinker with your plumbing system when you don’t have much experience can put you at risk of electrocuting yourself and cause you to accidentally flood your bathroom, which can be a pain to clean up and a bigger pain to have repaired.

Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a home that allows us to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also reduces humidity that can damage your home. And while insulation lasts longer than you think, it’s important to know when your insulation may need to be replaced. If you own an old home, it’s more than likely that it has run its course. However, if you’re not sure whether you need to replace it or not, here are some signs that it’s probably time to call up an insulation company.

Higher Energy Bills

If you’re consuming the same amount of energy all the time but notice that your energy bill is higher than it used to be, this is a telltale sign that you have poor insulation. Higher energy bills mean that the hot or cold air coming from outside your house makes its way inside, forcing your heater or air conditioning to work harder and consume more energy.

You See Mold

When you have poor insulation, moisture can enter your home and cause mold to grow, especially in dark areas where sunlight doesn’t get through. Mold spores can be bad for your health, so it’s important to keep an eye on any mold spots. If you catch these spots before they grow bigger, you may be able to save most of your insulation. Otherwise, it’s time for a full replacement.

Tree Trimming or Removal

Trimming or cutting down a big tree is a dangerous task and one that you shouldn’t do yourself. You’ll need the help of a professional to safely remove any dead branches or remove and trees within the vicinity of your home. This is because you may not properly gauge how high a tree is, which can end up destroying your home if you make the wrong calculations.

Roof Repairs

Your roof helps protect you and the inside of your home from the elements, and sometimes you may find an issue with your roof that you think is small enough to fix by yourself. However, this is never really the case. Before you climb up onto your roof and attempt to fix the problem, it’s important to remember that professional repairmen exist for a reason. Not only will they be able to do the job properly, but the repair job will last for longer.

At a time when we have the time to work on and improve our homes, you might think about saving money by doing it yourself. However, it’s important to consider whether you have the experience and necessary tools to do the job properly. When in doubt, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.