The United States homeownership rate is pretty consistently a little over 64%. This means that if you own real estate, you’re definitely in good company.
If you’re one of these homeowners, you’ve almost certainly encountered issues within your house that need repair. Some of these problems, like repainting cabinets or replacing a microwave, are easy fixes with a little DIY home improvement.
Other issues, though, you should never DIY. In fact, attempting to resolve certain issues without a professional can lead to serious injury… or even death. Here, we’re going to clue you in on a few home improvement projects you should never DIY.
1. Heating and AC Repairs
Heating and AC repairs should always be done professionally. You can usually tell that you’ve encountered one such problem based off the smell of your HVAC unit. A rotten egg smell could mean a leak of dangerous gas, while a burning smell could lead to a fire. Stay away!
2. Water Heater Replacement
Similarly to heating repairs, water heater replacement should not be attempted because it could start a fire. If your water heater overheats, it could burst into flame… with you next to it. It could also cause you to become burned by boiling fluid!
3. Fixing Leaky Pipes
First off, you might not know where the leak is coming from, which means tearing apart your entire room. That’s inconvenient, but it’s also unsafe since bursting the pipes could cause you to be cut or burned. Luckily, there are great leak detection services out there that can help.
4. Electrical Issues
This should go without saying but attempting to fix electrical issues by yourself is a definite no-no. A lot of the time you aren’t going to be sure where the issue arose. Put your hand in the wrong place and you could get a serious electric shock that puts you in the ER.
5. Outlet Repair
Outlet repair warrants a special segment because it’s an especially dangerous DIY relating to electricity. The only thing you’ll like less than the shock after sticking your hand in a wall socket is the shock you’ll get from sticking metal tools in one.
6. Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are dangerous mostly because they’re unsanitary. Accidentally ingesting sewage after getting it on your hands or clothes can cause you to become sick with things ranging from flu to e-coli.
7. Flooring Installation
Flooring installation isn’t that dangerous, but it can cause your back to hurt from bending for a long time. More than anything, you just shouldn’t DIY floor installation because it’s difficult and really time-consuming.
8. Fixing Garage Doors
Fixing garage doors isn’t just difficult because of all the heavy lifting- it’s dangerous. The spring that makes the garage door move can snap back and hit you in the face. This is a pretty big spring, and if you don’t like the idea of losing an eye, don’t try to DIY.
9. Roof and Gutter Repairs
Roof and gutter repairs are dangerous because you’ll have to get up and climb on the roof. If you lose your balance and take a tumble, you’ll be high up enough that you’ll likely be injured. It’s best to just avoid the risk.
10. Trimming Tall Trees
Like roof and gutter repairs, trimming tall trees can cause you to take a tumble from high up. Unlike roof and gutter repairs, you’ll take this tumble holding heavy machinery. No one wants to fall on a chain saw, so maybe this is a job for the pros.
Learn About DIY Home Improvement
There are a lot of dangerous DIY home improvement activities that you should never attempt. Now that you know what they are, click here to learn about DIY projects you can actually have fun with!
Stay smart!