When it comes to saving a bit of money and getting handy, it is easy to get carried away and think that you do not need to hire an expert for any household task. However, no matter how well you can install your own floors or new doorknobs, there are some installations that should always be left to a professional.
This is because some installations can be hazardous, or cause major issues if they are not done correctly. For your health and well-being, the following household installations should always be performed by a licensed professional.
1. Hot Water Tank Replacement
While replacing the hot water tank might seem like a relatively straightforward DIY task, be assured that it is not. Due to the high-risk nature of this job, you have to be aware of the state and local building codes, obtain a permit for the work and arrange an inspection of your completed work with your municipality.
Moreover, you need to have plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating, and carpentry skills to replace a hot water tank successfully. Sound simple? That’s right, it isn’t! Save it for the professionals.
2. Satellite Internet Installation
In rural areas, people usually don’t have access to cable internet. In this case, they probably rely on satellite internet. If you’re one of them, and you’ve tried to deal with a satellite dish, then you know that they can be tricky to install. In this case, a qualified Starlink installer will be able to help you if Starlink is the satellite internet provider you wish to subscribe to. They will be able to consider particular factors such as the angle of the dish and where it needs to be pointing. The angle of the dish is essential because it affects how well the satellite can communicate with the tower. If the angle is off, then you might not be able to get a strong signal. You might just end up with a dish that doesn’t work correctly if you try to do it yourself.
3. Light Fixtures
Similar to the risks of messing with the plumbing in your home, doing your own electric installations can be very hazardous. Faulty wiring jobs are one of the leading causes of domestic fires, and if you are responsible for the fire, there is a good chance your housing insurance will not pay out. This is because you are supposed to have a permit or have a professional undertake this kind of high-risk work.
Moreover, you risk electrical shocks and falling from a ladder when you start to mess with light fittings. This is a much bigger job than simply changing a bulb and should not be underestimated. Often people do not realize how dizzy or unstable they can feel when they spend more than a minute or two up a ladder. Leave it to the professionals to take this risk.
4. New Skylights
This one is probably a no-brainer, but it is included in case anyone thinks they can manage a skylight installation themselves! This job involves cutting a hole in the ceiling and fitting a window perfectly into the roof.
First of all, the roof’s height and steep slope should be enough to put you off doing this job yourself. You also need to make the hole incredibly precise to fit the skylight and follow the manufacturer’s instructions perfectly, or you are likely to void the warranty. This could end up being an incredibly expensive and messy DIY job.
5. Burglar Alarms
Now for a DIY job that seems low-risk, but has the potential for serious consequences if done poorly. Actually fitting your own security system might seem straightforward and perfectly safe, however, that is assuming you fit the system correctly, and it works when you need it.
Having a professional install your alarm is better for peace of mind, as you can trust that it will work in an emergency. Moreover, professionals will make sure the alarm is installed discreetly and neatly.
Finally, if you install the alarm yourself, it will not be eligible for monitoring with a police response.
6. Insulation
Another DIY job with the potential for serious risks to your health and well-being is the replacement of insulation. The dangers of installing your own insulation include breathing in harmful fibers, accidentally covering ventilation points, and wrapping wires in insulation, which can cause a fire.
When you disturb old insulation, you run the risk of releasing a dangerous chemical called asbestos into your home. This puts not only your own life at risk but those of your family and neighbors too. There are laws in place about safe and proper asbestos removal, so you should always hire a trained professional to undertake this highly precise task.
So, What Can I Do Myself?
Well, the good news is that there are still lots of fun and easy DIY home projects that get the green light for safety. From tiling the kitchen backsplash area to installing vinyl flooring or building shelves, you still have plenty of opportunities to personalize and shape your home in a safe and practical way. Look online for more great, safe, and easy DIY projects you can try. Remember, even if the project does not involve high-risk elements, it is still a good idea to do your research before you begin. Make sure you have the right materials and equipment and that you know what you are doing.
Final thoughts to keep in mind: anything that involves opening up walls, messing with plumbing or heating, or getting on the roof is always best left to the experts!
This has been a brief guide to 6 home installation jobs that are always best left to professionals. With risks ranging from house fires to uneven floors, leaks, and inhalation of toxic fibers, home installation jobs are no joke. It can be tempting to try to save money and do it yourself, but if you weigh up the costs of expensive repairs, void insurance, leak or fire damage, medical expenses, and equipment, it is fairly logical that hiring a professional is the way to go.
Make the best decision for your home and the health of yourself and your loved ones. Call an expert and trust that the job is done properly.
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