DIY Repairs That Do More Harm Than Good

DIY repairs can seem like an attractive option. But when they go wrong, it can cause injury or even more damage to your home. If you buy the tools and supplies needed to make the repairs, you may spend more money than it would have cost to hire a professional.

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Before you head to the store for supplies, put on your tool belt and get ready to work, there are some things you should know about DIY home repairs. There’s no such thing as a quick fix. In fact, some DIY repairs or home hacks often do more harm than good. Here’s a look at the most common ones.

Electrical Repairs

DIY electrical repairs can be hazardous. You should never attempt these types of repairs unless you have electrical experience. Faulty connections or misplaced wires can create dangerous conditions for you and your family. First, you can easily be electrocuted working with live wires. If you don’t properly shut the power off, it could lead to significant injuries or even death. Faulty wiring also poses a fire hazard. Insurance sometimes won’t cover fire damage due to DIY gone wrong.

Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing repairs are another type of DIY project you should avoid. It might seem like a leaky faucet would be easy to fix. But if the job's not done right, it can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. Clogged drains are another plumbing issue you might think you can fix yourself. After all, plenty of products on the market promise to clear a clogged drain. However, overusing these chemicals can cause your pipes to break down over time, leading to even more issues.

Roofing Repairs

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 97% of roofing and ladder accidents happen at home. That’s because walking on a roof isn’t as easy as it looks. Many homeowners who try DIY repairs also fail to use proper safety gear, which puts them at higher risk of falling and injuries. If you don’t have prior roofing experience and the right safety equipment, you should never attempt to repair your roof. Additionally, if you don’t use the right materials or make complete repairs, it could create a more significant leak that could damage the structure of your home.

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Carpentry

Small carpentry projects, such as building a bookcase, may be possible for the DIY carpenter. However, you should avoid detailed construction projects, such as installing crown molding. Yes, crown molding can enhance the look of any room, but installing it requires a high level of precision. The problem is that most walls aren't perfectly straight — a fact you may not realize until you notice gaps or try to match the corners. Using caulking to fill in these gaps doesn't fix the problem. Ultimately, your DIY project could diminish the look of your home and decrease its value.

Tree Trimming or Removal

Do your trees need to be trimmed or removed? Are you thinking about taking on the task yourself? You may want to think again. Chainsaws can be extremely dangerous, and going up a ladder using this equipment is even riskier.

Removing a tree is even more difficult. If it doesn’t fall correctly, it could hit your home or a car or even kill someone. Don’t attempt this alone, even if you have prior experience. This creates an unsafe environment. Instead, connect with a professional crew with plenty of experience.

Gas Appliance Repair

Whether you’re considering installing a new gas appliance or making repairs, it’s important to understand the risks. If you don’t know how to work with gas properly, you could inadvertently cause a gas leak, leading to a fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t take the risk. Contact an appliance service company to handle the repairs or installation for you.

When it comes to home DIY projects, it’s usually best to step back and let the professionals take over. Always be honest with yourself about your level of experience. A quick YouTube video isn’t enough to help you fix a clogged drain or install a gas stove. Don’t risk a bad DIY repair. Call in the professionals instead.