Home improvement projects clients should leave to the professionals

Home improvements can add big value to a home, and while do-it-yourself (DYI) projects can save some money, in some cases, it’s better to just hire a professional.

In the below five examples by Realty Times, hiring a professional will most likely save money- and headaches- for your clients looking to spruce up their property.

1. Tree Removal

Whether it’s cutting down an overgrown tree or digging up a giant stump, this project can be an accident waiting to happen, especially if the tree is close to the house. Working from a height of 10 or 15 feet with large power tools can be dangerous enough, but add the factor of falling branches, and the risk of injury or damage to the car, house or telephone lines increases even more. Removing a stump can be risky, too, as roots growing close to water or electrical pipes can cause serious damage as they are pulled up or moved.

2. Electrical and Plumbing Work

Not only can messing up electrical work in the home create much more serious issues, a permit is generally needed, as well as an inspection to do this kind of work. Bigger plumbing problems and projects like installing a shower or sink should only be attempted by professionals. Incorrect installation or repair can lead to damaged pipes or waterlogged walls, along with other expensive issues.

3. Pool Repair and Installation

Both above and in-ground pools are difficult to repair without special tools and products. While simple projects around the pool are fine to do, repairing cracks in the foundation or remodeling a pool is something that a professional is better equipped for.

The same goes for pool installation. A client may think they are saving a lot of money by installing a swimming pool by themselves, but as PoolProducts.com cautions, installing a vinyl or fiberglass pool is a very big job. A task of this magnitude requires some serious homework before one decides to it take on, plus large construction equipment is necessary, and sometimes even hired help to do the job right. Measurements must be precise, permits and inspections must be passed, and how the ground and concrete will settle and shift over time must be considered.

4. Removing a Wall

It may seem like a good idea to knock down a small wall in a house to open up the kitchen or create a bigger living room, but it isn’t as easy as it may appear. If the wall is load-bearing or supports any part of the house, or if it holds electrical or plumbing,  serious damage could be caused to the structure of the home.

Popular Mechanics recommends consulting with a building engineer before attempting to knock down a wall. A building engineer can give advice on the best way to remove the wall and advise if any special permits are needed.

5. Flooring

Homeowners might want to call a professional if they plan to rip up carpet or lay new tile. A client may not be aware what’s underneath the carpet and if the subfloor is damaged or rotten, they could wind up spending thousands in extra costs just to repair it. Laying tile is another delicate and very precise project—if the tiles aren’t cut perfectly, laid completely straight or if one of them cracks, the project may have to start all over. If the client is not experienced in flooring, it may be best to leave it to a flooring expert.