10 Home Projects You Should Always Hire a Pro For
Updated: Mar. 22, 2023For all but the most advanced DIYers, there are some home improvement projects that just aren't worth the money, time or risk to do yourself. Here are 10 home projects most of us should always hire a professional to do.
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Additions and Major Remodels
When planning an addition or home remodeling project, time is money and the more time spent on the project, the more it will cost in the long run. While it may be tempting to do the project yourself to save money, you never want to find yourself in the middle of a project unsure of what to do next. This is especially true if you run into a problem, or worse, lose motivation and never get the job done. These are the situations when you want to hire a pro.
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Mold, Asbestos and Lead Removal
If your wet basement develops mold or your older home has asbestos or lead, hire a pro for removal is often the best solution. And all three can be harmful to your health if ingested and a professional will ensure all three are completely removed, properly and safely.
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Driveway Repaving
Driveway repaving can be a difficult home project for a DIYer because to do it properly the surface must be level or you'll end up with a cracked, crumbling driveway. You can certainly do some driveway patching yourself. But when it comes time to repave, hire a pro who has the proper tools to do it right which will save you money in the long run.
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Foundation Work
A home's stability relies on a proper foundation. If your foundation is cracked, crumbling or in need of some repairs, repairing it is probably not a DIY home project. And hiring a professional will give you peace of mind in knowing your home is safe from serious structural issues.
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Window Installation
Window replacement seems easy—just place a new window in the space where the old one was. Except, it's a lot more than that. There are some window repair projects you can do yourself. However, when it comes to installing new windows, hire a pro to make sure the windows fit properly so your heated or cooled indoor air stays inside. You're paying a lot for good windows, so knowing they are installed properly is worth the investment.
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Tree Removal
There's a good chance that removing the big tree in your yard is not a DIY home project. While you can certainly remove a smaller tree yourself, a professional tree trimmer should be called in for both trimming and removal of large trees. And since the pros have the proper equipment for reaching high branches and can bring down a large tree safely. Never climb up a tree with a chainsaw thinking you can handle the work yourself.
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Major Electrical Work
When it comes to electrical work, there are certain projects you can do yourself, such as connecting old wiring to a new light fixture. However, any major electrical projects—such as running new wiring to an addition—should be done by a licensed electrician. Not only is electrical work dangerous, if you don't know what you're doing, you also run the risk of creating a fire hazard. It's best to just hire a pro.
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Plumbing Repair
There are certainly many DIY plumbing projects you can tackle yourself. But major plumbing work, such as replacing all of your water pipes or dealing with your water main, should be done by a licensed professional. The last thing you want is flooding or water damage caused by improperly installed or replaced pipes.
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Roof Repairs
While you may be able to replace shingles on a roof yourself, a professional roofer will have the experience and tools necessary to handle major roof repairs. Not only is it easy to get injured doing roof work, hire a pro roofer because they likely can finish the project quicker than any DIYer.
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Major Pest Infestations
Have squirrels in the attic or termites eating away at your home? It's best to hire a pro. There are some DIY remedies you can try for minor infestations, but sometimes you need a professional to get to the root of the problem. And a pest professional can find out where the culprits are getting in and eliminate them for good.
Originally Published: March 20, 2021
