What You Should Not DIY When it Comes to Interior Remodeling
In many respects, it’s easier than ever to remodel your own home. After all, there’s a world of instructional videos and step-by-step guides out there on the internet. At face value, DIY interior remodeling makes sense: why should you pay someone to do something that you can do just as well on your own?
That “just as well” qualifier is actually a key distinction. While the average homeowner is fully capable of tackling something like installing new tile or repainting their hallways, there are some aspects of a home remodel that are best left to the experts.
From working with your home’s plumbing, electrical, and gas lines to the removal of walls and the placement of new countertops, this article will review some of the remodeling projects that require the expertise and tools of a trustworthy contractor.
Handling Advanced Electrical or Plumbing Work
There’s a reason that both plumbers and electricians have to be certified and licensed. Without access to the same training and tools, a homeowner is not an acceptable substitute for an experienced professional. By attempting to handle your own wiring or plumbing work, you could be putting your home at risk of a major disaster:
- Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires here in the United States. Even something as simple as an ungrounded outlet can put your home in incredible danger.
- Broken or leaking pipes are a significant factor in many home flooding incidents. Broken pipes can occur early in their expected lifespan due to improper installation.
- Gas line problems not only have the potential to spark a house fire, but can lead to health problems for your family and pets. It is critical that gas lines are installed correctly and in accordance with local codes.
In short, you should always hire a certified and licensed professional to work on any part of your remodel that deals with electrical, gas lines, or plumbing. The costs of not doing so can be catastrophic.
Tearing Down Walls
Home renovation TV shows have turned “open kitchens” from an industry buzzword to a nationwide trend toward larger, less-enclosed kitchen spaces. As a direct result, more and more homeowners are taking a sledgehammer to the interior walls separating their kitchen from the rest of their home. However, this isn’t something that you should do yourself.
First, you’ll want to talk with a professional contractor to determine if any part of the wall in question is load-bearing and critical to the structure of your home. For obvious reasons, removing key supports in your home can lead to major issues with your home’s structural integrity.
Provided that the interior wall is not load-bearing, the next step will be for the contractor to evaluate whether or not there is electrical wiring, water pipes, or gas lines inside of the wall. If these exist, they will need to be safely rerouted elsewhere. As a general rule, the older your home is, the more surprises you might find inside of its walls. If you really want to bring down that interior wall, bring in a professional to evaluate your property.
Installing Countertops and Cabinets
If you are making plans to remodel your kitchen, you’re most likely planning on adding new countertops and cabinets. As tempting as it might be to simply purchase the materials and install them yourself, there are several drawbacks to that approach:
- Incorrect Installation: If not installed the right way, your new cabinets or counters just won’t look quite right. This most often occurs due to incorrect measurements or leveling.
- Weight: Many stone countertops—including granite, quartz, and marble—are incredibly heavy and require a professional installation team to safely lift them into place.
- Tools: There are several specialized tools required for proper countertop installation. Since new counters are something a homeowner might only install once in the lifetime of the home, buying these tools may not make financial sense.
Professional installation also gives you the peace of mind that the project has been done right. If you are replacing your countertops or cabinets, our recommendation is that you hire an experienced contractor with the tools, team, and training to properly install the materials.
When in Doubt, Work with a Contractor
A home remodel is a major undertaking for any homeowner. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. From planning and budgeting to executing the renovation, an experienced contractor is the right person to consult with about your remodel.
Talk to trustworthy local professionals about your plans and get multiple, competitive bids for their services. Be sure to call their references and—if possible—see some of their prior work to confirm that their craftsmanship and attention-to-detail are up to par. By partnering with the right experts, you can ensure that your remodel moves forward without a hitch.
Additional DIY Resources
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