Do-it-yourself home improvement projects have surged in popularity. Nearly 80% of homeowners report that they’ve tackled a project themselves, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
When done correctly, DIY home projects can be a great way to keep more cash in your wallet while adding value to your home. It seems like a financial win-win, and it often is.
But some projects should be left to the professionals. Here are the improvements that you should never try to do yourself.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Plumbing work
Plumbers undergo intensive training and complete apprenticeships before entering the field, and there’s a reason for that: Plumbing is complicated work.
While some DIY projects are a great way to stretch your paycheck further, this isn’t one of them. If you don’t have plumbing experience, then this DIY task is best to skip.
Light fixtures
Electricians command high salaries and hourly rates because, once again, the work is complicated.
You might hurt yourself or someone else if you don’t know what you’re doing. Plus, it might cost more to fix your mistakes than it would have cost to hire someone in the first place.
Roof replacement
Even if you are confident you could climb on the roof and hang a shingle, suppressing the urge to do so is probably a good idea.
Roof work is precise. If done wrong, it can result in long-term problems that can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Window updates
It’s often possible to DIY a window repair. If you have a crack in the sealant or even a broken latch, you can probably watch a YouTube video or two, make a trip to the hardware store, and fix things in a couple of hours.
But if you’re trying to install a new window or fundamentally change the structure of your window, it’s best to hire out the task.
Wall removal
Taking a sledgehammer to your wall while wearing a hard hat is a classic DIY fantasy. It’s one of the first scenes in most home improvement shows, and it seems like fun on the small screen.
But in real life, it’s pretty dangerous. You might accidentally destroy a load-bearing wall or another critical element.
Trending Stories
Huge kitchen renovations
Some kitchen projects are perfect for a DIY approach, such as adding peel-and-stick backsplashes, open shelving, or new hardware.
But other tasks — such as installing countertops and replacing cabinets — require precision and expertise and are best left to the pros.
Creating windows
It’s tempting to imagine that you could bring more natural light into your house by adding windows. And while you probably can add natural light that way, you shouldn’t do it yourself.
Creating windows is a specialized task that requires a specific skill set. The last thing you need is a gaping hole in your house that you can’t close.
Adding skylights
Suppose you consider yourself handy, have tackled a few in-depth DIY projects. Suddenly, you feel like a skylight installation is next.
While anything is possible, hiring a professional for this endeavor is almost surely a better bet than a DIY approach. As with creating new windows, cutting a hole into your structure — in this case, the roof — is probably the last thing you should be doing.
Complicated cosmetic changes
Imagine you want a new mirror over the vanity in your bathroom as a fun update. You decide to install it yourself but accidentally hang it crooked and can’t change it without damaging the mirror.
As a result, the cosmetic change didn’t necessarily make your home look any better. Consider the changes you want and be honest about whether you can complete them to a professional standard.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
New stoves
If you’re switching from an electric stove to a gas stove, it’s better to skip the DIY path altogether.
Installing gas lines can be dangerous, and trying to do it yourself to save a few bucks is not a good idea. Some things in life are worth the splurge.
Dishwasher installation
When you buy a dishwasher, there is usually an option to pay extra for professional installation. Unless you have experience, it’s usually a good idea to purchase the help.
Dishwasher installation is more complicated than just clicking the unit in. There are wires to connect and water to run. Because of that, it isn’t the best project to do yourself.
Kitchen cabinet paint
For many people, painting doesn’t seem like a big deal. Maybe you’ve painted walls in your house or even changed the paint color on furniture. Those are impressive DIY projects, but it doesn’t mean that you should try to paint your kitchen cabinets.
Cabinets are challenging to paint because they are high-touch areas and usually have a buildup of grease, food, and fingerprints. To remove the buildup, you’ll need to sand or strip the cabinets before painting.
But even beyond that, cabinets are rarely a flat surface. Usually, it requires extreme attention to detail to get things right.
Water pressure repairs
If you have a water-pressure issue, trying to fix it yourself is tempting. After all, there are a lot of products that promise simple solutions.
But at the end of the day, it’s not worth the risk of messing up your plumbing system. If installing a new faucet doesn’t help, it’s probably time to call an expert.
Bottom line
Some home projects are perfect for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. Homeowners can usually finish those projects during a weekend or two.
But other projects require specialized skills and might pose a safety risk if done incorrectly. In the end, fixing your DIY mistakes might cost more than the initial repair.
For complicated projects, hiring outside help is the best way to avoid wasting money. Your house and your wallet will thank you.
Compare Quotes Benefits
- Get quotes in 60 seconds
- Compare rates from top insurers
- Coverage you need at an affordable price
- It's free and fast to compare quotes
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.