DIY projects tend to be exciting if you know how to do things well, or want to spend time with your kids and teach them a thing or two. However, some home projects require professional help, and if you’re not confident enough it’s best to ask a professional to do the work. There’s a thin line between being fearless and foolish, and those who’ve crossed that line a couple of times probably have more than one scar to prove it.

Certain home repairs are better left to the professionals, and we’ll break down a few you should look out for.

Roof and gutters

Doing small repairs or installing roof shingles can be a very dangerous job, especially if you’ve never done it before. Even a small slip or misstep can lead you to a hospital. Although installing roof shingles doesn’t seem difficult at first, climbing up and down the ladder with tools and supplies can be very exhausting. It requires experience and skill to make repairs and install a waterproof roofing system.

Even cleaning your gutters can be detrimental to your health. If you’re thinking about installing leaf guards or any other repair to your gutters, make sure you consult with gutter installation contractors to provide enhanced protection to your gutter system and also protect yourself from harm. It’s always best to leave roofing and gutters to the pros, so make sure you stay off the roof.

Electrical work

There’s no problem with repairing or upgrading a few existing devices and fixtures that are relatively safe and easy, just make sure you turn off the electricity to the circuit first. However, when it comes to more complicated and extending electrical issues, it’s best to call an experienced, licensed electrician.

Sometimes when people start messing with electrical circuits and running cables, there are a few potentially lethal outcomes including fire and electrical shock. If you want to avoid causing harm to yourself as well as others, don’t hesitate to call up a professional who will deal with the issue safely and in no time.

Plumbing

There are a few DIY plumbing projects a competent DIYer can tackle including replacing showerheads, faucets, hooking up a sink, washing machine, and installing toilets. However, other jobs require the help of a professional plumber. For example, a homeowner shouldn’t attempt to modify a hot water heating system or a home’s water supply lines that are usually comprised of copper pipes and fittings soldered with a propane torch.

If you’ve never done it before and don’t know what you’re doing you might start a fire or flood your home. Note that even a little leak can cause damage if it goes unnoticed and is left in a relatively short period. That’s another reason why DIYers shouldn’t deal with plumbing repairs or improvements that are concealed behind floors, walls, or ceilings.

Removing walls

To make your home more spacious and comfortable, a homeowner often starts to take down walls between rooms. That’s an amazing idea to make your home roomier just make sure it’s not a load-bearing wall that’s supporting the roof above and floor. Removing such walls without adding necessary support can cause dangerous and costly repairs.

You wouldn’t want your roof and floor to come crashing down. Remember that this can happen over some time, not immediately. So, anytime you wish to make home repairs involving removing walls make sure you consult with a building engineer. They’ll be able to tell whether the wall is load-bearing or not, and also how to safely remove it and add appropriate support.

Tree cutting

DIY projects also include outdoor work. Although it seems like an easy task, tree cutting can be quite dangerous. Not everyone can operate with a chainsaw well without making any damage. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to operate with a chainsaw, or have an innate urge to clear land, but whatever the reason, tree cutting is inherently dangerous.

Whether you operate with a chainsaw or an ax it’s crucial that you’re experienced and that you’ve done it a couple of times before. Another danger would be the tree toppling onto a car, person, or your house. Surprisingly, this happens too often. Most people can safely cut a tree that’s smaller than 4” in diameter, and less than 20’ tall. For larger trees, however, you’ll need to hire a tree-clearing expert or a professional arborist.

In closing

If you’re not confident enough, or simply inexperienced, never take on home projects that seem too dangerous. Even if you watch a YouTube tutorial, or read instructions, many things could go wrong. Always consult experts so you’ll know whether you’ll need their help or you can do it yourself.