5 Home Improvement and Repair Tasks You Should Never DIY

workbench with several tools, screws, and blueprints laid out on top of it.
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Successful DIY projects may be economical and rewarding, but choosing the incorrect repair or remodeling project can waste time, effort, and resources. Renovating everything from scratch can incur more costs than hiring a contractor. But how do you determine which home repair and improvement projects are too challenging or dangerous to take on alone? Ultimately, certain home repairs and modifications, such as water damage repairs, are better left to professional home repair services.

And this is especially true if you live in Cleveland, Ohio, where it rains around 37 inches annually. Such high amounts of rainfall can leave your roof, ceilings, and walls a leaking mess. It can, in turn, lead to various disastrous issues, particularly mold and mildew.

Now, ask yourself, would you want to handle such moldy walls, ceilings, and roofs on your own, or would it be better to call in an expert to fix the issues? The answer is quite obvious. With that in mind, here are a few home improvement and repair tasks you should never DIY and instead call professional help.

1. Window Replacements

Homeowners in Cleveland, Ohio, know that this city experiences high amounts of rainfall every year. The constant rain and storms can leave their window frames and glass rusted and dirty. Such issues can impact insulation and decrease the structural integrity of your windows. However, a window replacement is something that you should not DIY. Since it requires climbing ladders, it can lead to slip and fall accidents. Most importantly, you lack the expertise, skills, and tools to tackle window replacement projects. Hence, hiring a Cleveland Window Replacement expert is a better choice here.

These professionals are trained in the latest safety standards and have the tools and equipment required to carry out a window replacement safely and efficiently. So, shortlist a few professionals today and hire one that fulfills your budget and requirements.

2. Repairing or Replacing Broken Sink Pipes

No matter how much Drano you pour down your sink pipes, nothing will unclog them if they malfunction. So, a bucket and a monkey wrench are all you will need to unclog that pipe, right? Wrong.

Unless you are convinced that you know where the problem is, dismantling pipes can be difficult, especially if they have years of rust caked on them. Furthermore, repairing or replacing pipes close to other appliances, such as garbage disposals and dishwashers, is challenging and extremely time-consuming.

Even if you know where the blockage in your pipes lies, you should leave it to a professional plumber to fix it. For homeowners who don’t know the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver, considering the DIY route spells nothing but disaster. Professionals have the equipment and skills to remove the blockage quickly and efficiently without harming other home appliances connected to your plumbing.

3. Repairing Roofs

Maybe you found a leak in your ceiling or noticed that your roof had lost some shingles during the recent thunderstorm. But would you want to climb your roof and replace or install new shingles on your own? While you might get tempted to do so to save some bucks, avoid it at all costs. It might look like a renovation project that initially seems doable and inexpensive but could cost significantly more in the long run.

A proper roof repair typically includes finding the trouble spot and replacing the damaged shingles or other components without causing more damage. Hiring a professional roofer should be at the top of your priority list.

Ultimately, DIYing a roof repair, whether a simple fix or a complete replacement, is only a “Band-Aid” solution. Usually, roof repairs come with a 15 to 20-year warranty if a professional roofer does the job. So, the next time you see a leak in your ceiling or notice that some shingles look out of place, call your local roof repair company ASAP.

4. Waterproofing

Imagine your prized possessions and valuable items are now swimming in a pool of water due to a recent leak in your basement. Due to this, you take a proactive approach by waterproofing your entire basement to solve the problem once and for all. You call your friend, ready to start the waterproofing project. However, when it comes to waterproofing, walls and ceilings must be professionally tackled, waterproofing material must be installed, and the space must be filled in.

Moreover, if you leave the project halfway, the areas you have dug up can deposit moisture and cave in.

Additionally, if you begin and stop the operation in the middle, the excavated region can store additional moisture or, in extreme situations, cave in completely. That’s why working with a pro will help you avoid many hassles. Companies specializing in waterproofing have the tools, supplies, and labor to finish the project in as little as two days. You can also save money by consulting professionals, particularly if your DIY waterproofing job is still in progress. 

5. Renovating Your Garage

Leave this task to the professionals regardless of whether you want to construct a connected or detached garage. Construction or reconstruction of a garage are difficult projects that can easily go wrong for several reasons.

When renovating your garage, tasks like purchasing materials, estimating costs, planning, and other related tasks require resources, effort, and time. Additionally, the climate in your area could affect the kind of garage you need. There are more factors to consider, such as plumbing, wiring, etc.

That’s why hiring a pro is the best course of action. A qualified home remodeler will handle every aspect of the project, including selecting the best materials for your garage door, hiring subcontractors, etc.

Conclusion

The DIY route often makes sense and helps save on costly remodeling and repair projects. However, certain DIY tasks and home improvement projects are better left to professionals. After all, you would want every home renovation project done right the first time. But which improvements should be handled by professionals exclusively? Fortunately, the suggestions shared in this article allow you to decide which project to DIY and which to call the experts for.

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Steven Weissman
I grew up working on my family's small farm in western New York state. We did a lot of projects ourselves, which taught me not to be intimidated by DIY projects. So now I like to write about DIY topics to help others gain confidence to try to do things on their own.