Introduction
Australians spend billions of dollars on home improvements each year. Often these are DIY projects but others might be more complex upgrades that require professional help.
You can save money and get a sense of accomplishment by undertaking DIY home renovations. However, while sometimes it’s great to do DIY home renovations, there are some things you just shouldn’t do.
We take you through the examples where it’s usually best to leave it to the experts.
The renovation projects that are worth engaging a specialist for
Updates you could easily do yourself could be painting an accent wall, installing new shelving, or repainting a tired deck.
However, with more complex projects you could run the risk of costly errors, property damage, and even injury and accidents if you don’t let the experts handle the work.
Even if you could satisfactorily complete the work, it could end up being unsafe for you and your family members at a later stage. This is especially true when work standards aren’t compliant with regulations.
Here are some of the renovations projects you should leave to the professionals.
1. Electrical work
You need a license to do electrical work. In addition, if you’re not qualified, DIY electrical work can put you and your family members at risk of electrical fires, electrocution, and other injuries.
Leave it to the experts when it comes to updating light switches and power points, repairing appliances, or installing dishwashers or air conditioners.
2. Plumbing work
DIY plumbing is generally illegal across Australia. Avoid updating pipes, installing toilets, or clearing drains yourself. You could void warranties and insurance claims as well as attract heavy fines.
3. Structural work
Doing DIY structural work like knocking down walls can lead to costly damage in your house. Get the help of experts who can assess the impact of, for example, knocking down load-bearing walls so you don’t run the risk of collapsing walls and roofing.
4. Updating insulation
Make sure you get professionals to do any insulation work. Older houses can have asbestos contamination, which comes with serious health risks. Further, insulation upgrades require access to wall cavities. You won’t want to run the risk of causing structural damage to your home.
5. Installing a fly screen on your own
Fly screen installations are more complex than they appear since they require precise measurements and specialist tools. Even drilling a hole for a screw in the wrong place can affect your whole installation and mean your screens aren’t properly fixed to the frame.
They could become unstable and you might not be able to easily open and shut fly screens installed along doorways. Unsightly gaps could let in insects, which defeats the purpose of your investment.
You might think going the DIY route will save you money. However, you might be paying more to get professionals to fix any issues later down the track, in
A professional fly screen installer has the right tools and labour skills to make sure your installation is completed to a high standard, so your screen installation lasts as long as possible.
6. Installing a gas appliance
Don’t be tempted to install a new hot water heater, a gas cooktop, or other types of gas appliances yourself. Your installation needs to be done by a licensed gas-fitter and you could run the risk of gas accidents and injuries with this kind of DIY work.
7. Roofing repairs and updates
Roofing repairs and updates require specialist skills and equipment. It also involves working from heights. Generally, avoid doing anything that requires you to get up high unless you’re a professional in this area.
8. Bolting heavy items to walls
If you need to install heavy gadgets or appliances that are bolted to walls, avoid doing it yourself and leave it to a pro. These heavy items can cause injury if they’re not properly secured.
You could injure yourself while doing the job or cause injury to children and others in the household if it’s not properly secured. The appliance and your walls can also be damaged as a result.
9. Sanding and updating floors
Do you have floors that need to be polished and sanded? It might look like an easy job, but operating the equipment takes experience and a bit of strength. Sanding and polishing equipment can take off and damage your walls if you’re not used to operating it.
The same goes for installing new tiles and flooring. New flooring can completely refresh a space and potentially boost your property value. If you don’t have the right experience and equipment, avoid turning this into a DIY project. Instead, find a trusted flooring professional who can do it for you.
Conclusion
If you enjoy home renovations, there are plenty of projects you can do yourself. However, it’s important to draw the line and know when you should call in the professionals. These situations include plumbing, electrical, and gas installations. Roofing, structural changes, and installing fly screens are other examples of when you should get a specialist to do the work for you. By doing so, you’ll minimise the risk of serious injuries, costly repairs, and damage to your property.
Artilux has been the leading supplier of high-quality retractable screens for over 30 years. Our friendly team is always ready to answer any questions you have about finding the right screen product for your home. Contact us now for a free on-site quote.
