A lot of work goes into maintaining and upgrading a house. From changing out the carpeting and painting the walls to installing new countertops, the list can go on and on. Some of these undertakings can easily be handled by the homeowners as a DIY project, while others need a qualified touch to get the job done right. Below are three examples of home improvement projects best left to the professionals.
First, there are a few reasons why homeowners may choose to tackle a project themselves. A recent survey found more than half (56%) of DIYers did so to save money, while 20% said they wanted to challenge themselves. Whatever the motive is behind the decision, there are plenty of ways it could go wrong, such as higher than anticipated costs, damage to the home and even injury.
DIYers often run into trouble when attempting to replace a faucet. While installing a new fixture in a bathroom or kitchen sink may seem straightforward, there are more parts involved than people typically assume. Plus, it’s common to run into other problems such as water damage and disintegrated valves once under the sink. When these problems start to add up, DIYers should seek the help of a professional plumber to ensure no further damage is caused and the new faucet is properly fitted.
Another project to avoid doing yourself is drywall patching. Unless you have the right materials and experience, handling this task on your own could lead to subpar results. For instance, to produce a patch job without any protrusion or noticeable variations from the rest of the surface, it usually takes two to three coats, which should be spaced out a day apart to adequately dry. Patching also calls for lots of sanding for the finished result to look like the damage was never there. If you have a hole or crack in the wall, consider contacting an expert for a seamless, great-looking finish.
Lastly, DIYers frequently underestimate all the work that goes into installing an exhaust fan. This is often because they are under a false impression that replacing an exhaust fan on a bathroom ceiling is as simple as changing a ceiling light fixture. In actuality, the exhaust fan needs to be installed in tandem with sturdy metal housing and suitable ventilation. If done incorrectly, it could lead to drywall damage, condensation buildup and other costly fixes.
Although a home improvement job may seem like a walk in the park, there could be more to it that makes the task last longer or cost more. If you find it’s not going as expected or the fun is gone, it’s best to pass it on to a professional or, better yet, let them take the lead from the get-go. For additional examples of household projects to avoid doing yourself, please see the accompanying resource.
Guide created by Fix St Louis