Spring is the season to start making some much-needed fixes around the house. However, there are some projects that even the most seasoned weekend warriors shouldn’t attempt. Below are some home improvement jobs that require the skill of a professional.
Garage Door Home Repair
Garage door repair at the top of this list because it’s famously dangerous. Firstly, garage doors can weigh up to 400 pounds. If one falls on you or your vehicle, it could cause some serious damage. Garage door springs are also very dangerous. If they are loosened improperly, they can whip around at a speed that can be seriously life-threatening. A qualified garage door repairman will have the proper tools for the job. They will also have the training and experience needed to undertake necessary steps in the safest order.
Major Electrical Work
If you have a little bit of experience under your belt, you might be o.k. attempting a small lighting installation. But if you have any major electric work that needs to be done, you’re better off calling a professional electrician. If you try to go it alone, you could get a nasty shock—or worse. In addition to electrical injuries and death, you also risk wiring something incorrectly, starting a fire. Additionally, DIY electrical work may not comply with building codes and regulations, which can result in costly fines.
Major Plumbing Home Repair
Botched plumbing can cause serious flooding and water damage, to the tune of a four- or five-figure repair bill. In addition to water-related disasters, you also run the risk of getting an electrical shock or breaking a gas line. In addition, DIY plumbing repair would not be covered under any warranty. If you damage your home, you would be on the hook for expenses that would have been covered by insurance. A professional plumber will have the experience needed to tackle any plumbing issue safely. He or she can also advise you on preventative measures that will reduce your chances of needing future repairs.
Insulation Removal
If your home is on the newer side, this isn’t as much of a concern. However, many homes built prior to the 1970s contain asbestos in the insulation. Asbestos can’t be identified by sight, and materials containing it are rarely labeled as such. Even worse, symptoms of damage caused by asbestos inhalation usually don’t appear for months, or years, after contact occurred. Removing insulation in an attic or crawl space comes with additional risks. You might accidentally damage exposed electrical wiring or pipes, or even put a foot through your ceiling!
Mold or Mildew Removal
These substances are also difficult to remove safely. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, and once they are disturbed, they can spread very quickly. Mold also penetrates deep into porous materials like drywall and wood, making it impossible to eliminate with surface-level treatments. Unfortunately, DIY mold removal methods usually only target visible mold, and fail to eliminate hidden colonies or airborne spores. Professional mold removers have access to tools and materials that aren’t accessible in home improvement stores. They are also able to test the air quality in the home for complete removal.
Window Installation
On its surface, window replacement might seem easy. But getting a window to fit perfectly in a space is much tougher than it looks. If your fitting is just a hairline off, you could cause drafts to enter and exit your home. This will eventually drive up your energy bills, and be very difficult to identify or correct. You might also damage the window itself or the surrounding wall. Lastly, a poorly installed window presents a safety risk for you and your loved ones. If the window can’t close properly, it will be easier for intruders to break into your home. If it can’t open quickly or easily, it might impede your escape during a fire or emergency.
Large Tree Removal
Several factors make large tree removal one of the most dangerous jobs a homeowner can attempt. Firstly, it typically involves chainsaws, which take skill and experience to handle safely. Chainsaws can recoil, harming the operator in the process. Another huge risk is the fact that it’s very difficult to control where a felled tree drops. It could fall on your home, on your vehicle, or on a power line. If you damage public property, you could be sued. Finally, it’s very easy to lose your balance and fall out of the tree. In summary, this is one home improvement job you definitely don’t want to tackle alone!
Major Pest Control
If you’ve spotted a roach here or there around your home, it’s probably fine to put a few traps out. But if you ever find yourself dealing with a major infestation, call a professional exterminator. He or she will be able to yield much better results than you can, for several reasons. Firstly, they have access to products that are more effective than those that are available to homeowners. Secondly, they are able to place them with minimal risk to themselves or to you. And lastly, professional exterminators know how to treat the root of the problem. They will eliminate it completely and preventing it from happening again.
Get all your Home Improvement Materials at SSI Packaging!
We hope you enjoyed this list of home improvement jobs that are too risky or difficult to tackle by yourself. For all the projects that you do want to take on this spring, SSI offers an extensive catalog of materials. We offer everything from safety equipment, to material handling equipment, and more. Whether you want to start a small business or finally launch that passion project, SSI Packaging is here to help!