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9 home improvements that you shouldn’t do yourself

Some things should be done by professionals. - by Laura Barry
  • 18 Apr 2019
9 home improvements that you shouldn’t do yourself

Here at BHG, we love a DIY project. However, there are a few projects and home improvements that you really shouldn’t do yourself if you aren’t a certified professional. Some of these projects require experienced professionals due to their complexity, or simply because it isn’t legal for you to do it yourself. In other cases, getting it wrong and needing to have it fixed could be far more costly than having paid for a professional in the first place.

Without further ado, here at 9 DIY projects and home improvements that you shouldn’t do yourself.

1. Installing a dishwasher

Dishwashers require both water and electrical connections, which is a delicate operation at best. Just pay to have someone install it for you, it’ll be quicker and done according to regulation.

2. Removing old insulation

If you live in an old house built before the ‘80s, then the insulation in the house could be contaminated with asbestos, which poses huge health risks for those who come into contact with it. If you suspect your insulation has asbestos in it, call in the professionals to handle it.

3. Plumbing

Plumbing repairs, installations and other maintenance should only ever be handled by the professionals. Far too many things can go wrong, and getting access to problem points can cause more damage to your property than necessary if attempted by an inexperienced handyman.

two people trying to hang light
Getty

4. Installing an air-conditioner

In Australia, all air-conditioning systems need to be installed by a professional who is approved by the Australia Refrigeration Council, as these systems can be dangerous to both you and the environment if mishandled.

5. Removing old walls

Depending on the structure of your home, certain walls may be playing a huge role in keep the roof above your head – literally! Always call in a building professional to assess the walls you want to remove before knocking them down.

6. Installing a gas appliance

Whether it’s a gas cooktop of water heater, you’ll need a licensed gas-fitter to connect the appliance.

man installing oven
Getty

7. Roofing repairs

Generally speaking, if a job requires you to get up high, such as on the roof, then it’s best that you don’t attempt it yourself unless you have experience working from heights, and roof repairs.

8. Removing lead-based paint

Lead-based paint is still present in some old home in Australia. As there are quite a few health and safety risks when it comes to dealing with lead-based paint, it may be better to hire someone experienced in lead-paint management.

9. Fixing phone lines

Don’t try to fix a phone line. Telstra is responsible for maintaining and fixing the connections throughout Australia, so call them before you do anything else.

You might also like:

10 DIY tricks that are second nature to tradies 

7 DIY projects homeowners regret doing the most 

7 common renovation regrets 

  • DIY
  • Renovating
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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