Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are great ways to learn something valuable and save money. As we inch closer to summer, DIY home projects will be coming out of the woodwork all over home improvement blogs and HGTV. While a lot of these ideas are worthwhile and increase your home’s value, it’s important to note that some projects require expertise and need to be done properly to ensure safety and performance. If you’re thinking about adding a personal touch to your home with a DIY project -- awesome -- just make sure you don’t try any of these projects without a professional:
Electrical work
The most important reason for bringing in a professional is safety. Electrical work can be dangerous to you and your home. Aside from the chance of being electrocuted, you run the risk of starting an electrical fire. Overloading your electric panel or connecting the wrong wires can cause a lot of damage if not fixed immediately. Another common issue with DIY electrical work is improperly-sized wiring; your breaker size will determine the type and size of wires needed. Using the wrong wires can cause circuit breakers to blow and leave you without power until it’s fixed!
Installing skylights
When installed correctly, skylights offer a lot of benefits to the home and can even get homeowners a 30% tax credit. Skylights are notorious for leaks when installed incorrectly. It’s vital to have a roofing and skylight expert handle installation in the home to ensure their performance and longevity. While performance is key, safety is the priority. Any task or project that requires you to create a hole in your ceiling is not something you want to try on your own for the first time! To reach the roof, you’ll need to use a ladder and manage heights well; this is something that is best left to a professional who has access to harnesses and other safety equipment.
Roof repair/replacement
We can’t stress enough the importance of safety when it comes to roof repair. So, what if your roof just needs a few shingles repaired because of something such as wind damage? Whether you need a few shingles repaired or a whole roof replaced, quality is another concern. As a homeowner, quality and performance are big factors to consider when deciding on a DIY project. The functionality of your roof is vital to your family’s comfort and safety -- make sure it’s done right!
Projects that require permits
Lots of home renovations require some sort of permit to be considered safe and official. Things like building a new fence or modifying your electrical panel require permits (which will differ depending on your location). The value of your home can be affected by home renovations that aren’t permitted properly; for example, if you plan to resell your home that’s had unauthorized electrical work done, an inspector will ask for an ESA (Electrical Safety Association) Certificate. A professional contractor or electrician should know all of the possible regulations, permits and necessary information about your renovation project. Bringing in a professional is not only important for safety and performance, it’ll save you a lot of unnecessary stress.
The Stockmohr Way
If you’re looking to start a new project at home, do your research in order to keep it fun and safe. For projects that require an expert, bring one in. If your do-it-yourself home project becomes a what-is-going-on project, our team at Stockmohr will gladly take care of your renovation and make sure it’s done right the first time.
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