Home improvement shows can inspire you to renovate your own home, but these shows only share a glimpse of the work that goes into renovating. More importantly, some of the tasks you see on TV are done by professionals. So before starting a project, consider if you have the right skills or else you risk making a costly mistake. Also, consider if it’s more time and cost efficient to hire a professional or to do it yourself. If you decide to renovate your home, here are ten things that should be left to the professionals
1. Internal Structure
Altering the framework of your home could create a safety hazard. Working with elements such as beams, footers, and headers should be left to the professionals. A structural engineer needs to sketch and approve all changes that will be made to the home. Part of their job is to ensure the framework of your home is stable.
2. Electrical Wiring
Whether you are renovating your kitchen or adding new lighting in your bathroom, never attempt to wire your home. Even if you have seen an expert perform a certain task, you could still cause a fire, explosion or even electrocute yourself if you lack the skillset of a professional electrician. Seemingly successful electrical jobs can also cause safety concerns down the road. In most cases, DIY electrical jobs will not pass inspection or be up to code. So, even after spending time and money doing the job yourself, you might still need to bring in a professional.
3. Roofing
Roofing work is dangerous for obvious reasons. Aside from this, you could risk not finishing your roof in a timely manner, potentially causing water damage to the inside of your home. To avoid this, never begin a roofing project if you can’t finish it within a couple of days. Better yet, hire a professional who has the skills and equipment to get the job done in a timely manner.
4. Plumbing
A bottle of Drano or another similar product could easily fix your problem, or you may need to call a plumber. If your job is bigger than a simple drain clog, having a professional diagnose and fix it is usually the most efficient and cost effective route. For any major bathroom renovation or kitchen remodeling project that involves moving drain lines, adding complex fixtures or adding plumbing, it’s important to, at minimum, consult with a professional before you begin.
5. Insulation
Certain types of insulation, like batt and spray foam, should only be handled by professionals. Also, if the insulation isn’t installed properly, your home could have many problems. For example, gaps in your insulation can hold moisture and heat which causes mold. Also, vermin and insects can infiltrate your home through those gaps. Moreover, the temperature of your home will fluctuate, causing a high energy bill and less comfortable environment.
6. Carpentry
Professional carpenters have the necessary tools and skills to finish your custom cabinets or built-ins faster. They can also deliver a more high-end looking piece than most DIY homeowners are able to. If you’re going to do the job, consider if you can do it in a timely manner and if the amount of time you need to invest in the project would be better spent doing something else. You might find that your investment in a professional is well worth it.
7. Masonry
There are many factors to consider before attempting brick masonry. It’s difficult and time-consuming to move large stones, and you have to ensure your framework is stable while making sure your project looks great.
8. Wallpaper
Putting up wallpaper seems simple, but you could risk wasting money on wallpaper if you don’t have experience installing it. Misaligned seams, air bubbles, odd corners and other common mistakes can all take away from the appeal of this decorative feature, turning it into an eyesore. Hire a professional to get the look you want with a lot less hassle.
9. Tile Installation
It takes time to install tile, and different kinds of tiles have a different installation approach. If you want to install your own floor tiles, consider the necessary tasks including precisely cutting tile, laying it and grouting. If you’re not confident your work will result in the look you are after, hire a professional.
10. Painting
Painting your home is a common DIY project that many homeowners take on. In some cases, the end results are great. However, if walls need to be repaired or the area that needs paint is large, with high ceilings or complex beams, a professionals is better equipped to do the job. Even in a small room, you might find that a seasoned painter can achieve a cleaner look and save you a lot of hassle.
Home renovations should be done correctly so they are lasting and you are satisfied with the results. Sometimes you can achieve that yourself, and sometimes it’s best to call in a professional. Alair Homes Kelowna can revitalize your current home, transforming it into the home of your dreams. We can also design and build a custom home for you in the Okanagan Valley. Contact us to learn more and get started on your next project.