Home Improvement Projects to Leave to the Professionals

This season is the perfect time to finish up your home improvement projects before the cruel winter weather appears. However, some home repairs are much more complex for the average DIYer and are best left up to professionals. Check out why professional home repair may be the way to go on certain home projects!

We’ve gathered a list of home improvements that are illegal to do yourself.

Replacing a Hot Water Tank

This project might seem like a quick fix, but dealing with electricity and gas lines that could lead to an explosive leak is very dangerous. Replacing a hot water tank deals with many different permits, codes, and safety regulations that are best to leave for a professional.

If you attempted to do this yourself, you could potentially end up with carbon monoxide emissions. This can be fatal to your family and pets. Therefore, a licensed plumber is the best person to replace your hot water heater.

Removing Lead-Based Paint

To start off, lead is deadly so the removal of lead-based paint should be done by a professional. It’s not worth risking your life to remove the lead-based paint in your home.

Removing lead paint yourself can result in damage to many different internal organs. If children are around, they risk suffering from different lead-induced developmental disorders.

Hiring a professional to remove the paint is the safest and the only non-lethal way.

Changing a Stovetop

Changing a stovetop from an electric to a gas stovetop yourself is not for amateurs. It takes two professionals to inspect and meet the codes for a new stovetop.

When installing the gas line properly, it’s best to hire an electrician and plumber to modify the electrical circuit.

Any mistakes in this process could lead to an explosion in your home, so leaving this home improvement project up to the professionals is a wise choice.

Pumping a Septic System

Pumping a septic system requires permits to dispose of the waste. And, very specific equipment to fully get rid of the waste. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years. It can be difficult to find a place to dispose of the waste collected in your septic tank, and dumping your waste in an incorrect location is unsanitary and will contaminate the environment.

You will need to call a professional to legally pump your septic system and dispose of the waste in it.

Fixing Light Fixtures

Avoid electrocution and potential firs by hiring a professional to replace electrical wiring. If a fire were to happen after you try to fix your electrical wiring, insurance companies can deny your claim.

Faulty wiring can cause house fires. Therefore, leave electrical wiring to electricians to eliminate the potential outcomes of bad wiring in your home.

Many of these projects appear to be easy. However, they are highly illegal to complete and can result in some pretty detrimental outcomes if not done properly.

Although it may cost you more upfront to hire a professional home repair person, you can rest assured the project won’t end up costing you more in the long run.

(Photos courtesy of California National Guard, Paul Quesnell, Wally Hartshron, Cynthia Cheny)