Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Renovation is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. There’s nothing more exhilarating than getting covered in dust, paint, or plaster for some people. Yet you must be qualified or experienced for most jobs more complex than using a paint roller. In addition, some are dangerous, while others can ruin your home, incurring more expenses. So here are some things you definitely should DIY when renovating your home.
Electrical Repairs and Installations
Trying to repair or install electricals is one of the most dangerous things you can attempt if you are unqualified. Not only is there a high risk of death, but you could start an electrical fire directly or indirectly from undetected faulty wiring. Of the 350,000 residential fires in the US each year, the leading cause is an electrical fault. This one you definitely want to leave to professional services like Zamora’s and Sons Electric. Experts like this are qualified and certified to install or repair electrical systems properly.
Plumbing Jobs
Like electrics, you also definitely want to hire professional plumbers for all water and waste system jobs. Water systems are intricate and complex, and making an error in one place can destroy the entire system. Most plumbing issues are minor, such as a blocked kitchen S bend. This can be unscrewed and cleaned, but it is advised you call a qualified plumber for anything more complex than that.
Signs you need a plumber to include:
- No running water
- Hot water not working
- Water heater condensation
- Low water pressure
- Clogged drains
- Leaking taps
- Overflowing toilets
- Unpleasant sewage odor
If you have any of these issues and aren’t going away, don’t try to resolve them yourself. You might end up doing more damage, and you certainly don’t want wastewater all over your home. Or you will be unpleasantly reminded of that DIY disaster for years to come.
Wet Plastering
Perhaps one of the least dangerous DIY jobs you can try, but it’s just as devastating to a home if not done correctly. Wet plastering a wall or ceiling looks easy when you watch someone do it, But that’s because they trained for years and are qualified to do so. Plasterers are almost like magicians when they do their thing. Like TV chefs, they make a complex job look simple. You might see Michel Roux create mille-feuille in minutes. But it’s guaranteed you will be covered in flour and end up with a soggy disaster if you try it at home.
Laying Carpets
Like plastering, laying a carpet is one of those things that a professional makes look easy. While it’s simple in theory, the renovation problems lie mainly with cutting and the finish. Carpets and underlay are generally thicker than you expect, and cutting them correctly requires the right tools and high precision. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with laying your own carpet, and you can save money by doing so. But for the first attempt, you will make mistakes. Mistakes such as inadequate length, poor trimming, and slicing into the carpet area are common. And you will walk on bumps for months.