Do it yourself projects are enjoying widespread popularity thanks to the internet and social media. We can watch expert creators and handymen ply their craft in their dedicated YouTube channel, we can even watch tutorials on how to lay bricks or repair certain parts of your home.

But don’t let yourself get fooled into thinking you can immediately do what they’re doing after only a couple of watches. The hard truth is that there are many sensitive repair jobs that you should never DIY and here’s a few of them:

Electrical Issues

The most dangerous and difficult of all repairs that you really shouldn’t even consider trying is anything that involves electrical repair. You’ve most likely heard an uncle or a relative talk about how they repaired their electrical issues on their own. They’re lucky enough to be able to tell what they did, but it’s best not to push your luck. Electrical repair work requires very specific knowledge and skillset, as well as a lot of safety tools and equipment. And that’s the primary issue in electrical repairs.

Say that you do know something about replacing wires or connecting the main power to an extension socket- do you have the equipment to properly do it? It’s best not to risk your health over it. A professional electrician will be able to do a better-quality job too.

Pipes and Plumbing

If it’s minor plumbing work, like sealing something or tightening a pipe to stop a leaky faucet, then that’s perfectly fine. You can also replace old faucets or unclog your drains, but anything more difficult than these requires a professional emergency plumber’s skill level. Even if plumbing work isn’t exactly dangerous for your health (unlike electrical repair work), you can end up making matters worse. And if it does, be prepared to spend a lot just to rectify it.

Something as simple as a minor leak, when done carelessly and without the proper knowledge, can result in something like an indoor flood that would require you to shell out money for repairs. So before you think about replacing your pipes, consider whether you’re skilled enough for the potentially expensive mistakes.

Roofing Problems

A leaky roof might seem like a minor problem that you can fix easily until you need to climb the roof and realize you’re afraid of heights. You might not even have the proper ladder to be able to climb correctly. Roof repairs seem rather basic that you don’t need to hire a professional for, but it’s not just the repair that you’re paying for.

It’s the safety issues connected to climbing a roof, the tools and equipment needed to do the appropriate repair, and also the experience to ensure the safety and quality of work that you’re paying for. Maybe you can do minor replacements, like tiles or shingles. But if your roof is steep or significantly high, it’s better to just hire help.

Gas-Related Repairs

Much like electrical repairs, gas repairs require specific knowledge that’s not all too accessible because of the level of danger involved. It’s wise to not even try to DIY broken ovens, furnaces, or water heaters. These are the type of repairs that’s best left to qualified professionals, with the appropriate licenses, and of course, skills and equipment.

Because even if you study gas repair work intently there’s a lot of things amateurs can make mistakes with, even things that you’ll completely miss. Gas leaks can lead to horrible results, such as health hazards, and there’s always the chance of a fire or even an explosion. Don’t take these types of repairs lightly, always secure a professional to do it for you.

Anything that Affects the Foundation

Another repair that you should never try to do on your own is anything that involves the foundation of your home. This includes basement repairs, as most DIY enthusiasts wouldn’t have the expansive information needed to repair these correctly. And shoddy quality work can undermine the structural integrity of the entire house- which means you’re making the situation far worse than when you started. Even if you like open-plan concepts, it’s best to still hire a professional to manage major structural work for you.

You might not realize you’re ripping a crucial foundation apart, and the next thing you know is that your whole house caves in. Understanding the best and safest ways to work around foundations, walls, and other fundamental structural supports is something every construction professionals know, so let’s leave it to them instead.

Safety and quality of work are two things you should prioritize. Fortunately, that’s something repair professionals are known for.

Edward Bertrand