You’ve just finished binge watching Flip or Flop. Now you’re ready to DIY those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. Right? Not so fast!
Popular home improvement shows, like Fixer Upper or Trading Spaces, make home renovation look easy. But remember, the stars of those shows are home improvement pros with years of experience. And while there are plenty of home improvement projects perfect for weekend warriors, here are five best left to the pros.
Installing Hardwood Flooring
Installing hardwood flooring is one of the best home improvement projects for increasing your home’s value. But tearing up those old carpets can be more difficult than you might realize. Tack strips, thin strips of wood studded with lots of sharp nails, often hold the carpet in place. Pulling those up, along with the carpet padding glued to the subflooring, is back breaking work.
Further, removing the carpeting may reveal some surprises. If you find mold, cracks or other damage to the subflooring, it must be fixed before installing new flooring. It’s important to make sure your subflooring is in good condition before laying anything on top of it.
Lastly, hardwood flooring materials are expensive. Flooring contractors have specialized tools to lay the floor down just right. Hardwood flooring can also expand with heat or moisture. A flooring pro can account for your climate during installation.
One mistake installing hardwood floors can be quite costly, so consider hiring a flooring professional for the job.
Plumbing Installation & Repairs
Sure, you can clear that clogged drain with drain cleaner or a plunger and some old-fashioned elbow grease. But that drip drip drip from the bathroom faucet that’s keeping you awake at night? Or replacing your old toilet with a new, eco-friendly model? That may be a good time to hire a local plumber.
When you hire a licensed plumber, rest assured you hired a professional with many hours of practical experience. Only a handful of states lack licensing requirements for journeyman or master plumbers. Those that do require a plumber to have upwards of 1,000 hours of related education and work experience.
More importantly, improperly repaired or installed plumbing fixtures and pipes can leak. Over time, such leaks can cause water damage to ceilings, walls and floors that can be quite expensive to repair. Plumbing leaks also waste water and can sharply increase your water bill. Ultimately hiring a professional plumber may save you money in the long run.
Roofing Maintenance & Repairs
First, there is the obvious risk you’re taking by climbing a ladder and standing on a roof that’s ten or more feet above the ground. One slip could result in a major injury or even death. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of home injury deaths, accounting for over 6,000 fatalities annually.
Beyond that, roofing systems are also deceptively complex. If you discover a leak in your ceiling, finding the source of the leak and fixing it requires an experienced roofing contractor to diagnose and fix the problem.
The shingles are the first and most visible element. But there are multiple layers beneath them, including the framing, insulation, decking, water shield, underlayment and ventilation systems where repairs may be necessary.
And if you don’t see leaks or otherwise suspect problems with your home’s roof? It’s still a good idea to have your roof inspected and maintained once a year. A professional roofer or handyman can clear away loose debris like tree branches, inspect for and replace loose or missing shingles and clean out the gutters. Regular maintenance is the best way to spot potential problems early before they become a big (and expensive) repair job.
Larger Renovations
Additions and remodeling projects, like remodeling a kitchen or converting a garage into living quarters, are big, time-consuming projects. They require careful planning and execution. Still, some homeowners are all too eager to start swinging a sledgehammer and knocking down walls like a Property Brother.
First, if you plan to remove a wall, make certain you know whether it’s load bearing. If you don’t know an I-beam from an iPad or what floor joists look like, this is a task best left to a professional contractor.
Second, even if the wall is not load bearing, you will still want to know what’s inside the wall. Hidden water pipes or electrical wiring may need an alternate route before removing the wall.
Lastly, large renovation projects (and some small ones) require homeowners to obtain permits from the local building authority. A professional general contractor will know which permits are necessary and how to efficiently obtain them. In some places, the contractor of record is the person pulling the permits. They’re therefore liable for accidents or any other problems that arise. That’s why most general contractors carry a substantial amount of liability insurance. If damages or injuries are incurred during a home renovation project, this protects both parties.
Replacing Windows & Doors
Some projects, like installing new window screens or replacing the weather stripping around doors, are simple and can be handled by any homeowner who wants to save a few bucks by doing it themselves.
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However, upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows or increasing your home’s curb appeal with a new front door are projects best left to the pros. Why? In both cases, it is vital to carefully measure and install the windows or doors. If either are slightly misaligned, tiny gaps in the seal allow air to leak through, decreasing energy efficiency. Plus, over time, misaligned windows and improperly hung doors may begin to sag or stick, necessitating another, potentially costly, repair.
Home Improvement Done Right
Ultimately hiring a contractor can save you time and money on these and many other home improvement projects. And HomeExpert is here when you decide you’re ready to find the right contractor for your next home improvement project.
