Home Improvement Projects: When to Call in a Professional?

Contemplating a home improvement project? You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners have been taking a critical look at their surroundings and thinking about what they could do to make their properties better. There are many important benefits to a home improvement project, from enhancing family safety with a lighting upgrade to improving living space by turning that dark, dank basement into a wonderful rec room.

For homeowners with a fully stocked workshop and a full slate of power tools, taking a DIY approach to home improvement may seem like a no-brainer. But before embarking on a significant home renovation, you may want to rethink that DIY approach. Here are three times that leaving the home improvements to a professional may be a good idea.

1. Taking Down a Wall

Turning two small spaces into a large open space may be appealing, but it is not easy to know when it is safe. If your home renovation plans include removing a wall, it is essential to consult with a qualified professional.

Even if the wall in question is not load-bearing, it may take an expert’s eye to determine which walls are safe to take down and which ones are best left alone. In addition, they will know the current local building codes.

2. Working with Electricity

Adding new electrical outlets and rewiring an underused space can be a smart home improvement, especially with a growing family. But electrical work is not a DIY project, the awesome and potentially deadly current flowing through those wires should not be taken lightly.

There is a reason electricians are trained and licensed, and the safety aspect cannot be overestimated. If electrical work is required during a home improvement project, be sure to call an electrician to do the wiring work.

3. Planning a Plumbing Upgrade

Whether it’s adding an upflush toilet to the basement or upgrading to a steam shower, there are many ways a DIY plumbing project can go wrong. So do yourself a favor and call in a plumber to do the actual work.

You can still do all the planning and take care of minor projects independently. For example, a plumber probably isn’t needed to upgrade the kitchen sink faucets, but more elaborate plumbing renovations deserve professional help and guidance.

Home renovation projects are all the rage these days, and many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance the value of their living spaces and improve the resale values of their properties. However, it is essential to know what can realistically accomplished by DIY, and when to call in a professional. The three situations outlined above definitely require a pro, so putting down the hammer and picking up the phone may be a better solution.