People are always trying to make ends meet, and when it comes to home remodeling, it can become so expensive (the average price is $39.957) that you need to do your best to save every dollar you can. The majority does that by opting for low-end materials or taking matters into their own hands instead of leaving them to professionals. And sure, there are some projects you can take on yourself, or use a more affordable material, but sometimes these decisions come back to haunt you when you least expect, and you end up spending more money than you would initially have to. If you are planning on remodeling, we’ll help you out by telling you where you shouldn’t cheap out.
Electrical panel repair
Leaving the electrical repairs to professionals is common sense, but there is no harm in saying it yet again. Besides the risk of getting yourself electrocuted, there is also the chance it would be more difficult to sell your property one day. Modifying the electrical panel requires getting a permit. If you don’t do that, you won’t be able to get an ESA (Electrical Safety Association) Certificate, which is a common thing for agents and buyers to ask.
Major plumbing works
Sure, you can unplug your toilet, but any major plumbing work should be left to the plumbers. It is vital to avoid complicated jobs that include the main supply line or the main stack.
Skylight installation
Skylights are great solutions for dark rooms where there is no place for a window. With all the fuss about the natural light being a sought-after feature among the home buyers, they are also a pretty good investment. However, the roof is a tricky place to install a window, and if you don’t do it properly, it can deteriorate over time and allow water into your home.
Window replacement
Similar goes for window replacement. For this task, you need specialized tools and skills. You can’t just improvise when it comes to removing and installing windows. Also, the windows are very pricey and important for energy-efficiency, so saving money on this could actually cost you more than you thought it would in the first place.
Gas installations
When we are talking about gas installations, this is the area you should definitely avoid. This power source can be dangerous to tackle on your own, and even if everything seems fine when you’re done with the fixing, there can be leaks or small malfunctions which can seriously backfire. In some cases, it’s better to buy the new ones. Of course, before your gas appliances are installed, you should consider which gas provider to choose and how complicated the whole process would be. That’s why it would be best to contact a professional to give you advice and assist you with any works involved in switching your new gas connection from one gas provider to another.
Basement renovation
A finished basement not only adds space to your property but also value. Many homeowners decide to take on this project because they don’t consider it to be the main part of the house, and they think the flaws won’t be that obvious. However, some basement projects can result in major structural issues, so it is better to take your enthusiasm elsewhere.
Asbestos removal
Asbestos is the plague of many houses built before the 1980s, and during a renovation, the particles of this toxin can get into the air and cause health problems. If you suspect your house could host this dangerous guest, turn to the professionals.
Roof repairs or replacements
There are many cases when people get injured by falling from the roof. Even if you do know what you are doing, it is not worth the risk.
Demolition
If hitting the walls with a sledgehammer sounds fun to you, think again. What if you hit the load bearing the wall? Or damage the pipes and wiring? Not so fun, after all. For such massive projects, you need to know exactly where to hit, so it is better to call the pros.
Faux finishes
And for the finish line? Don’t do your own faux finishes. The effects of stone or wood on the walls can be beautiful, but if done clumsily, they can look like a hot mess. These projects that rely on aesthetics should be done by people with trained eyes and hands.
There is nothing wrong with saving money where you can, but usually you get exactly what you’ve paid for, and in these cases, that could be - a disaster. These were the tasks that should always be left to the professionals with the right skills and tools.
